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Metal Chimney Flue Separation Requirements
Inside a Common Chimney or Chase
- POST a QUESTION or COMMENT about chimney flue design specifications & codes: what is the requirement to separate individual flues passing through a single chimney structure
Metal chimney flue separation or spacing requirements inside a common chase or inside a masonry chimney:
Separation requirements for metal chimnney flues in a wood frame chimney chase or inside brick, concrete block, or stone chimneys during chimney repair or relining jobs. Code & Design Requirements for metal chimney flue Separation widths, fire blocking, and other parameters. How much space is required between metal chimney flues in a common chaseway?
This article series explains the requirement for separation between individual chimney flues in a masonry chimney for fire safety and performance. These articles describe and illustrate chimney inspection procedures and critical chimney defects which can be observed from outdoors at ground level. Page top photo of a rusted metal liner inside a brick chimney of a Minnesota home illustrates several unsafe conditions.
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What is the Requirement for Separation Between Metal Flues in a Multi-Flue Masonry Chimney?
Metal Chimney Flue Clearances Within Common Chimney Chase or Masonry Chimney Relining
Sketch of common metal chimney fire clearances provided courtesy of Carson Dunlop Associates, a Toronto home inspection & education firm.
[Click to enlarge any image]
Reader Question: what separation is needed between multiple stainless steel chimney re-liners in a single masonry flue?
2016/06/17 Carole said:
Have a 33 year old house with ONE chimney for three flues (one for oil heat, one for woodburning stove and one for living room fireplace. Had to repair flues, all terra corra tiles had shifted.
Was told that putting three stainless cylinders dropped in chimney would suffice AND that wythes(separators would not be needed.
My understanding from site is that no matter whether cast in place or stainless tubes are used that wythes separating the flues is code and need to be done.
Thank you
Reply: what you need to know for safe multiple chimney flue re-lining with metal inside a masonry chimney
Above: single metal flue re-lining in a masonry chimney.
Interesting question, Carole. I'd start with the local fire inspector and ask an opinion; let me know what you're told. You will also need to know
- The brand and model of metal chimney liners to be installed and thus the manufacturer's contact information as you'll need to ask their approval for your specific installation
- The internal dimensions of the old brick chimney flue inside which the three metal chimney liners are to be installed and whether or not flue separation masonry brick or other material remains in place between the original masonry flues (if there was none the chimney was improperly-constructed and was unsafe, as we explain
at SHARED CHIMNEY & FLUE HAZARDS - The external dimensions of the metal flue liners to be inserted, thus how they will fit into the chimney space and how much clearance will be around them. Too close they may affect one another's draft and safety
- The total rise height of the chimney for each appliance being vented
- The chimney vent diameter and height recommendations by the manufacturer of each of the appliances being vented into the three flues
- Whether or not your installer will also install a pour-in insulating material around the metal chimney liners and whether or not the manufacturer recommends that step. For example adding insulation around single thickness flexible stainless chimney liners is common but adding that insulation around already-insulated multiple-wall flue liners is not common and may not be recommended.
- Your local requirement for building permits for chimney construction or modification and who is the approving inspector or local authority
- Who else in your area is actually expert on chimney safety, including chimney service companies certified by the National Chimney Sweeps Guild
Be sure you've also seen our discussion of metal chimney flue separation - a separate article at
FIRE CLEARANCES, METAL CHIMNEYS
That page includes cleareances between individual flues and flue types - note the "not permitted" in some entries of the table.
Watch out: improper chimney lining type, size, location, spacing, or any other details risks fire and potentially fatal carbon monoxide hazards. Be sure that your final chimney safety inspection is by a qualified expert who has no financial or other relationship with the contractor performing the chimney work.
A metal chimney inspection checklist (not exactly for your situation but helpful) is
at TRIPLE-WALL METAL FIREPLACE CHIMNEYS
Reader follow-up:
Carole said:
We went to Building inspector and there seems to be very little help.
Most building inspectors do not even deal with fireplaces.
I live in MA and who is the local fire inspector? I have been laughed at for this question.
Is it someone at the fire dept?
Basically I was told by repair place no separators needed. But that means that stainless walls have nothing to support them and just float around.
Really would like your help in researching further.
Our coverage for insurance has the add on for building to code.
This should cover the wythes.
I do not feel good about free floating stainless tubes.
Moderator reply:
See Massachusetts Chimneys and Vents Code 780 CMR 68.00 (2007) [PDF] excerpted below,
in particular
6801.3.4 Clearances.
Chimneys and vents shall have airspace clearance to combustibles in accordance with 780 CMR 51.00 through 99.00 and the chimney or vent manufacturer’s installation instructions.
Exception: Masonry chimneys equipped with a chimney lining system tested and listed for installation in chimneys in contact with combustibles in accordance with UL 1777, and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruction, shall not be required to have a clearance between combustible materials and exterior surfaces of the masonry chimney. Noncombustible firestopping shall be provided in accordance with 780 CMR 51.00 through 99.00.
6801.4 Space around Lining.
The space surrounding a flue lining system or other vent installed within a masonry chimney shall not be used to vent any other appliance. This shall not prevent the installation of a separate flue lining in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions and 780 CMR 51.00 through 99.00. - Source: Massachusetts Chimneys and Vents Code 780 CMR 68.00 (2007) [PDF] retrieved 2016/06/16, original source: http://www.mass.gov/eopss/docs/dps/780-cmr/780068.pdf
More metal chimney flue separation requirements from FLUE SEPARATION REQUIREMENTS
Exception: When venting only one appliance, two flues may adjoin each other in the same chimney with only the flue lining separation between them. The joints of the adjacent flue linings shall be staggered at least 4 inches (102 mm). - Chapter 4101:8-10 Chimneys and Fireplaces, Ohio, retrieved 11/9/2015, original source: http://codes.ohio.gov/oac/4101%3A8-10, retrieved 2015/11/09
...
Continue reading at CHIMNEY HEIGHT & CLEARANCE CODE where we describe the importance of varying the height among adjacent or nearby chimney flues of all types, or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.
Or see these
Recommended Articles
- BUILDING CODE DOWNLOADS - free downloadable PDF files of building codes & standards
- FIRE CLEARANCES, METAL CHIMNEYS
- FIRE CLEARANCES, SINGLE WALL METAL FLUES & VENTS - indoor flue vent connector clearance requirements
- FLUE SEPARATION REQUIREMENTS - for masonry chimneys
- CHIMNEY RE-LINING CHOICES
- FIRE CLEARANCES, METAL CHIMNEYS - outdoors
- METAL CHIMNEYS & FLUES - home for an index to metal chimney installation and repair guides
Suggested citation for this web page
METAL CHIMNEY FLUE SEPARATION CODES 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.
- Arlene Puentes [Website: www.octoberhome.com ] , an ASHI member and a licensed home inspector in Kingston, NY, and has served on ASHI national committees as well as HVASHI Chapter President. Ms. Puentes can be contacted at ap@octoberhome.com
- 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.
- Fire Inspector Guidebook, A Correlation of Fire Safety Requirements Contained in the 1987 BOCA National Codes, (newer edition available), Building Officials and Code Administrators International, Inc. (BOCA), Country Club HIlls, IL 60478 312-799-2300 4th ed. Note: this document is reissued every four years. Be sure to obtain the latest edition.
- 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
- Chimney Inspection Checklist, Carson Dunlop, Associates, Toronto, Ontario
- "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.
- "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
- US Energy Administration: Electrical Energy Costs http://www.eia.doe.gov/fuelelectric.html
- 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.
- 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 - 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)
- Principles of Home Inspection: Chimneys & Wood Heating, in (Principles of Home Inspection), Carson Dunlop, Associates, Toronto, Ontario
- Residential Masonry Fireplace and Chimney Handbook, James E. Amrhein, S.E., MIA, Masonry Institute of America, 2d. Ed., 1995, ISBN 0-940116-29-4. The MIA is in Los Angeles, CA 213-388-0472
- 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.
- 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 - 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)
- 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 chimneys
- Brick Institute of America - Flashing Chimneys
Brick Institute of America - Proper Chimney Crowns
Brick Institute of America - Moisture Resistance of Brick - American Gas Association - New Vent Sizing Tables
- Chimney Safety Institute of America - Chimney Fires: Causes, Effects, Evaluation
- National Chimney Sweep Guild - Yellow Pages of Suppliers
- 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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