Hazardous Fireplace Flue Installation

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1

Originally Posted By: psabados
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Hi guys


Here's one that I had earlier this week. 800K Custom home, 5000 sq ft, two levels, 3 fireplaces

Here's the first thing that I see at the rear

http://www.nachi.org/bbsystem/usrimages/IMG_1150.JPG

This is the lower level fireplace. Nice looking pre fab unit. It has a continuous pilot and the switch just to the right fires it up

http://www.nachi.org/bbsystem/usrimages/IMG_1229.JPG

All the fireplaces in this dwelling have fixed glass fronts. with a lower air inlet and an upper exhaust port to allow for gravity heating in the room. Looking into the unit I could see the flue pipe exiting at the top. So far so good.

Walked into the the next room which I thought was right behind the fireplace and saw this.

http://www.nachi.org/bbsystem/usrimages/IMG_1173.JPG

You can't see it, but 3 nice water stains on three different panels, this was the largest stain. Try as I might, I just couldn't get the panel to move. So I moved back one to the right an HELLO! ![icon_eek.gif](upload://yuxgmvDDEGIQPAyP9sRnK0D0CCY.gif)

http://www.nachi.org/bbsystem/usrimages/IMG_1172.JPG

The flue is in direct contact with the framework and tiles. Note the hanger straps and how loose they are. On the other hand the metal framing ties were almost as tight as a piano. Above is a cold air return. At the three stains, just above was either a HVAC supply duct or return.

Went through another door and found the equipment room.

http://www.nachi.org/bbsystem/usrimages/IMG_1175.JPG
http://www.nachi.org/bbsystem/usrimages/IMG_1226.JPG
http://www.nachi.org/bbsystem/usrimages/IMG_1174.JPG
http://www.nachi.org/bbsystem/usrimages/IMG_1228.JPG

Reported that the fireplace installation appeared to be in MFG recommendations but not the flue. The flue is at the max run of 26' w/ 90 elbow. No rise of 1/4" per foot and clearance tolerances not met. Can not verify the amount of cfm being pulled through the flue when operating. Called it a Safety Hazard and recommended that a MFG rep, the AHJ and installing contractors evaluate this installation. If not considered a problem to put it in writing.

What's really strange is the AHJ's in this city are very tough. Can believe that they allowed this. This is a new home slightly over 1 year old.

Did I miss anything?

Paul
Accu-Pro Home Inspections

2

Originally Posted By: arosenbaum
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Just curious… is there something wrong with this chimney?


http://www.nachi.org/bbsystem/usrimages/IMG_1150.JPG

I mean, it meets the "basic" chimney codes, right?

3

Originally Posted By: psabados
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Hi Aaron


No this chimney's OK. Only one flue. Owner stated 3- FP's. Put me on guard right away. Of the three FP's this one had no problems. Other two, see my posts, are power vented.

Paul

4

Originally Posted By: ismetaniuk
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


This membership was a big waste of my time!

–
Igor


Top To Bottom Inspections


Glen Spey, NY

5

Originally Posted By: arosenbaum
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Can’t be a gas leak, because you’d smell gas icon_sad.gif


Mind boggler

6

Originally Posted By: psabados
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Thank Igor


That's basically how I reported it in my narrative.

I do believe that the flue pipe is rated for gas only and not wood burning. The water stains on the tile appear to be from condensation off the HVAC ducts. The stained area in the pic is at the cold air return.

My thought was the same. Where's the fire rated chase? The main FP is just above this unit. Why they didn't run the stupid flue vertical and use that oversize chimney just doesn't make any sense. They may have had to move the FP another 18 inches to the left, no problem. The FP is not even centered on that wall. Owner had original plans but didn't show how this one was to be vented. City Planning engineer said all FP's and flue's must meet codes. I don't have the code for proper flue rise when installed on the horizontal, but MFG says 1/4" per foot. Somebody screwed up.


Paul