Guide to Masonry Chimney Articles
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Masonry chimney & flue article index:
Here we list key articles useful for building, inspecting, diagnosing or repairing problems with masonry chimneys.
Common chimney problems such as cracks, draft, chimney height, leaks, leaning chimneys, or chimney stains & chimney inspection & repair methods are discussed in this article series.
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Masonry Chimney Construction, Inspection, Diagnosis, Repair Article Index
Masonry Chimney Index
Just below we list articles that provide details about just about any brick, block, "cinderblock", or stone chimney question that comes up.
For example, our page top photo shows a chimney that would not be safe to use, and described
at ABANDONED CHIMNEYS, OUTDOORS.
What about this angled brick chimney shown at left? Did you know that there is a danger of cracks, leaks, and even fire at this chimney? Look closely at the floor of the attic where the chimney shifts from vertical to angled. Details are
at ANGLED CHIMNEYS.
If you cannot find what you need, CONTACT us by email and we'll get to work on it.
What about chimneys that are leaning, bending, bulging or bowing? At left our photo shows a brick chimney that is separating from the house.
Often the root problem is an inadequate original chimney footing. There are some serious fire and flue gas hazards when a masory chimney is doing a slow undulating dance on or in the building.
Details are at CHIMNEY LEANING, SEPARATION, MOVEMENT
Masonry Chimney Construction Guides & Standards
- CHIMNEY CODES - complete list of chimney building codes
- CHIMNEY INSPECTION from GROUND
- MASONRY CHIMNEY GUIDE - home
- ABANDONED CHIMNEYS
- ANGLED CHIMNEYS
- BRACING for MASONRY CHIMNEYS
- BRACKET CHIMNEY COLLAPSE & FIRE RISKS
- BRICK CHIMNEY CRACKS & COLLAPSE
- CHIMNEY COLLAPSE RISKS, REPAIRS
- CHIMNEY CRACK DETECTION & DIAGNOSIS
- CHIMNEY FLUE SIZE SPECIFICATIONS
- CHIMNEY HEIGHT EXTENSIONS
- CHIMNEY INSPECTION from GROUND
- CHIMNEY LEANING, SEPARATION, MOVEMENT
- CHIMNEY RE-LINING CHOICES
- CHIMNEY REPAIR METHODS
- CHIMNEY STAINS & LEAKS
- CRACKED CHIMNEYS, MASONRY BLOCK
- CURVED BRICK CHIMNEYS, SULPHATION
- EARTHQUAKE CHIMNEY COLLAPSE DANGERS
- FLUE SEPARATION REQUIREMENTS
- FLUE TILE DAMAGE in CHIMNEY
- MASONRY CHIMNEY TOP DAMAGE
- SPLIT OPENINGS in BRICKS, CHIMNEY COLLAPSE
- STONE CHIMNEYS, FLASHING, LEAK REPAIR
- THREE-SIDED CHIMNEYS
- T-CHIMNEYS & CHIMNEY TOPS
- UNLINED FLUES
...
Continue reading at CHIMNEY REPAIR METHODS or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.
Or see these
Recommended Articles
- BACKDRAFTING HEATING EQUIPMENT
- BLOCKED CHIMNEY FLUES
- CHIMNEY & FIREPLACE CONSTRUCTION
- CHIMNEY CLEANING PROCEDURE - home
- CHIMNEY INSPECTION DIAGNOSIS REPAIR - home
Suggested citation for this web page
MASONRY CHIMNEY GUIDE at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.
Or see this
INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to CHIMNEYS & FLUES
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Citations & References
In addition to any citations in the article above, a full list is available on request.
- [8] NFPA 211 - Standards for Chimneys & Fireplaces, NFPA 211: Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances, 2006 Edition (older editions and standards are found at the same bookstore)
- [9] NFPA #211-3.1 1988 - Specific to chimneys, fireplaces, vents and solid fuel burning appliances.[10] NFPA # 54-7.1 1992 - Specific to venting of equipment with fan-assisted combustion systems.
- [13] National Fuel Gas Code, an American National Standard, 4th ed. 1988 (newer edition is available) Secretariats, American Gas Association (AGA), 1515 Wilson Blvd., Arlington VA22209, and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Batterymarch Park, Quincy MA 02269. ANSI Z223.1-1988 - NFPA 54-1988. WARNING: be sure to check clearances and other safety guidelines in the latest edition of these standards.
- [14] Uniform Mechanical Code - UMC 1991, Sec 913 (a.) Masonry Chimneys, refers to Chapters 23, 29, and 37 of the Building Code
- .[15] New York 1984 Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, Article 10, Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning Requirements
- [16] New York 1979 Uniform Fire Prevention & Building Code, The "requirement" for 8" of solid masonry OR for use of a flue liner was listed in the One and Two Family Dwelling Code for New York, in 1979, in Chapter 9, Chimneys and Fireplaces, New York 1979 Building and Fire Prevention Code:
- [17] "Top Ten Chimney (and related) Problems Encountered by One Chimney Sweep," Hudson Valley ASHI education seminar, 3 January 2000, contributed by Bob Hansen, ASHI
- [18] Chimney Inspection Checklist, Carson Dunlop, Associates, Toronto, Ontario
- [19] "Rooftop View Turns to Darkness," Martine Costello, Josh Kovner, New Haven Register, 12 May 1992 p. 11: Catherine Murphy was sunning on a building roof when a chimney collapsed; she fell into and was trapped inside the chimney until rescued by emergency workers.
- [20] "Chimneys and Vents," Mark J. Reinmiller, P.E., ASHI Technical Journal, Vol. 1 No. 2 July 1991 p. 34-38.
- [24] Wikipedia Web: https://www.wikipedia.org/ provided background information about some topics discussed at this website provided this citation is also found in the same article along with a " retrieved on" date. NOTE: because Wikipedia entries are fluid and can be amended in real time, we cite the retrieval date of Wikipedia citations and we do not assert that the information found there is necessarily authoritative.
Flutes - organ flutes, Wikipedia entry ret rived 7/27/2012 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flue_pipe#Flutes - NFPA 211 - Standards for Chimneys & Fireplaces, NFPA 211: Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances, 2006 Edition (older editions and standards are found at the same bookstore)NFPA #211-3.1 1988 - Specific to chimneys, fireplaces, vents and solid fuel burning appliances. NFPA # 54-7.1 1992 - Specific to venting of equipment with fan-assisted combustion systems. GAMA - Gas Appliance Manufacturers' Association has prepared venting tables for Category I draft hood equipped central furnaces as well as fan-assisted combustion system central furnaces.
- National Fuel Gas Code, an American National Standard, 4th ed. 1988 (newer edition is available) Secretariats, American Gas Association (AGA), 1515 Wilson Blvd., Arlington VA22209, and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Batterymarch Park, Quincy MA 02269. ANSI Z223.1-1988 - NFPA 54-1988. WARNING: be sure to check clearances and other safety guidelines in the latest edition of these standards.
- ICC, Fire Inspector Guide Based on the 2021 International Fire Code [ICC Digital Subscription] International Code Council
- Uniform Mechanical Code - UMC 1991, Sec 913 (a.) Masonry Chimneys, refers to Chapters 23, 29, and 37 of the Building Code.New York 1984 Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, Article 10, Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning Requirements
- New York 1979 Uniform Fire Prevention & Building Code, The "requirement" for 8" of solid masonry OR for use of a flue liner was listed in the One and Two Family Dwelling Code for New York, in 1979, in Chapter 9, Chimneys and Fireplaces, New York 1979 Building and Fire Prevention Code:
- "Top Ten Chimney (and related) Problems Encountered by One Chimney Sweep," Hudson Valley ASHI education seminar, 3 January 2000, contributed by Bob Hansen, ASHI
- Costello, Martine & Josh Kovner, "Rooftop View Turns to Darkness," New Haven Register, 12 May 1992 p. 11:
Excerpt:
Catherine Murphy was sunning on a building roof when a chimney collapsed; she fell into and was trapped inside the chimney until rescued by emergency workers. - "Chimney & Woodstove Safety", State of Vermont, Division of Fire Safety, Code Information Sheet, January 2007, Office of the Fire Marshal & State Fire Academy, Berlin VT Telephone: 802-479-7561 www.vtfiresafety.org
- "Chimneys and Vents," Mark J. Reinmiller, P.E., ASHI Technical Journal, Vol. 1 No. 2 July 1991 p. 34-38.
- "Chimney Inspection Procedures & Codes," Donald V. Cohen was to be published in the first volume of the 1994 ASHI Technical Journal by D. Friedman, then editor/publisher of that publication. The production of the ASHI Technical Journal and future editions was cancelled by ASHI President Patrick Porzio. Some of the content of Mr. Cohen's original submission has been included in this more complete chimney inspection article: CHIMNEY INSPECTION DIAGNOSIS REPAIR Copies of earlier editions of the ASHI Technical Journal are available from ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors.
- Natural Gas Weekly Update: http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/oog/info/ngw/ngupdate.asp Official Energy Statistics from the U.S. Government"
- Duraliner (SDL) 6"-8" Diameter (Round & Oval) Installation Instructions" Simpson Dura-Vent Inc., PO Box 1510, Vacaville CA 95696, 800-835-4429 www.duravent.com - metal chimney installation guidelines from the manufacturer"
- Building Codes for Chimneys, Fireplaces, & Solid Fuel Burning Appliances": NFPA 211-16 & Mechanical Code 2006 ed. International Mechanical CodeUS Energy Administration: Electrical Energy Costs http://www.eia.doe.gov/fuelelectric.html
- Ceramic Roofware, Hans Van Lemmen, Shire Library, 2008, ISBN-13: 978-0747805694 - Brick chimneys, chimney-pots and roof and ridge tiles have been a feature of the roofs of a wide range of buildings since the late Middle Ages. In the first instance this ceramic roofware was functional - to make the roof weatherproof and to provide an outlet for smoke - but it could also be very decorative. The practical and ornamental aspects of ceramic roofware can still be seen throughout Britain, particularly on buildings of the Victorian and Edwardian periods. Not only do these often have ornate chimneys and roof tiles but they may also feature ornamental sculptures or highly decorative gable ends. This book charts the history of ceramic roofware from the Middle Ages to the present day, highlighting both practical and decorative applications, and giving information about manufacturers and on the styles and techniques of production and decoration. Hans van Lemmen is an established author on the history of tiles and has lectured on the subject in Britain and elsewhere. He is founder member and presently publications editor of the British Tiles and Architectural Ceramics Society.
- Chimney Inspection Checklist, Carson Dunlop, Associates, Toronto, Ontario
- Chimney & Stack Inspection Guidelines, American Society of Civil Engineers, 2003 - These guidelines address the inspection of chimneys and stacks. Each guideline assists owners in determining what level of inspection is appropriate to a particular chimney and provides common criteria so that all parties involved have a clear understanding of the scope of the inspection and the end product required. Each chimney or stack is a unique structure, subject to both aggressive operating and natural environments, and degradation over time. Such degradation may be managed via a prudent inspection program followed by maintenance work on any equipment or structure determined to be in need of attention. Sample inspection report specifications, sample field inspection data forms, and an example of a developed plan of a concrete chimney are included in the guidelines. This book provides a valuable guidance tool for chimney and stack inspections and also offers a set of references for these particular inspections.
- Fireplaces, a Practical Design Guide, Jane Gitlin
- Fireplaces, Friend or Foe, Robert D. Mayo
- NFPA 211: Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances, (2024) at the NFPA Bookstore, (Older NFPA editions and standards are found at the same bookstore)
- Principles of Home Inspection: Chimneys & Wood Heating, in (Principles of Home Inspection), Carson Dunlop, Associates, Toronto, Ontario
- U.S. vs. Canadian Unlined Masonry Chimney Flue Requirements & Case Study
- NFPA 211 - 3-1.10 - Relining guide for chimneys
- NFPA 211 - 3-2 - Construction of Masonry Chimneys
- NFPA 211 - 3-3 - Termination Height for chimneys
- NFPA 211 - 3-4 - Clearance from Combustible Material
- NFPA 54 - 7-1 - Venting of Equipment into chimneysBrick Institute of America
- - Flashing Chimneys Brick Institute of America
- - Proper Chimney Crowns Brick Institute of America
- - Moisture Resistance of BrickAmerican Gas Association - New Vent Sizing Tables
- Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), 2155 Commercial Drive, Plainfield, IN 46168 US Phone: (317) 837-5362 | Fax: (317) 837-5365, Website: http://www.csia.org
- "Water and Your Masonry Chimney", Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), op. cit., retrieve 4/2/14, original source: http://www.csia.org/homeowner-resources/water_and_your_masonry_chimney.aspx
- Chimney Safety Institute of America - Chimney Fires: Causes, Effects, Evaluation
- National Chimney Sweep Guild [Website] 1255 SW Prairie Trail Pkwy Ankeny, Iowa 50023 USA, Tel: +1 (317) 837-1500 Email: office@ncsg.org NCSG certifies chimney sweep (cleaning) professionals.
- Our recommended books about building & mechanical systems design, inspection, problem diagnosis, and repair, and about indoor environment and IAQ testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the InspectAPedia Bookstore. Also see our Book Reviews - InspectAPedia.
- In addition to citations & references found in this article, see the research citations given at the end of the related articles found at our suggested
CONTINUE READING or RECOMMENDED ARTICLES.
- Carson, Dunlop & Associates Ltd., 120 Carlton Street Suite 407, Toronto ON M5A 4K2. Tel: (416) 964-9415 1-800-268-7070 Email: info@carsondunlop.com. Alan Carson is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors.
Thanks to Alan Carson and Bob Dunlop, for permission for InspectAPedia to use text excerpts from The HOME REFERENCE BOOK - the Encyclopedia of Homes and to use illustrations from The ILLUSTRATED HOME .
Carson Dunlop Associates provides extensive home inspection education and report writing material. In gratitude we provide links to tsome Carson Dunlop Associates products and services.
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