They are different from regular masonry bricks because of their ability to withstand temperatures up to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit. Between fire bricks, he switches to fire-resistant mortar because the joints will be exposed to combustion. View our Privacy Policy here. 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. Daniel. Hello. Exterior dimensions are 17" x 22". Try the search box just below, or if you prefer, post a question or comment in the Comments box below and we will respond promptly. Website operating You will need to seal any gaps you find. The temperatures in the firebox area of a fireplace can get very high; the average temperature in many fireplaces is around 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit. In a masonry fireplace, firebrick is used to construct the firebox. If it's large, you might need something more. The distance between a brick, stone, concrete block,or other masonry chimney and the nearest combustible material, such as wood framing, is an important fire safety consideration that must be respected. New York 1984 Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, Article 10, Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning Requirements. Hot water circulation pump - Talk me into or out of it. The wood studs are typically protected from fire on the inside by fire-rated gypsum board, which can be layered to provide the required rating. problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. Next, If you are sealing around a metal flue, check with the chimney system manufacturer about its use before closing any air gap. InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. Click to Show or Hide Citations & References, Chimney and Woodstove Fire Safety Code Information Sheet, Simpson Dura-Vent (SDL) chimney liner installation instructions, InspectAPedia.com/chimneys/Chimney_Inspection_Repair.php, HOME INSPECTION EDUCATION COURESES (Canada), HOME INSPECTION EDUCATION: HOME STUDY COURSES. 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. He is also a contributor to InspectApedia.com in several technical areas such as plumbing and appliances (dryer vents). The crew mixes the fire-resistant mortar in a 5-gal. The thickness of the mortar can vary in other types of structures from 1/8 inch to ¾ inch, according to the MC2 Estimator's Reference website. The building code for weight-bearing brick walls calls for mortar to be no more than 3/8 inch thick. In both cases, the bricks and fireclay mortar are designed to withstand extreme temperatures. Note: appearance of your Comment below may be delayed: if your comment contains an image, web link, or text that looks to the software as if it might be a web link, your posting will appear after it has been approved by a moderator. With a little care and periodic maintenance they can give you a lifetime of enjoyment. Masonry chimneys are typically lined with a clay or ceramic tile flue, which goes up the center of the brick chimney with a gap between the outside brick and the inside flue, so that the ceramic or clay flue is able to expand and contract without moving the brick. The main job of the firebrick is to insulate the fireplace from the heat produced and to give you a nice-looking firebox. A typical firebrick measures 9″x4.5″x2.5″, weighs about 8 … When choosing your firebrick, look for a brick with straight edges for your cooking floor. Refractory brick panels line the firebox of a prefabricated metal fireplace. I read in another thread about laying the fire brick in regular mortar and then using refractory mortar in between … This is a 60's home. Ms. Puentes can be contacted at, "Investigation of Chimney Fires", Daniel. All rights reserved. This article series on chimneys, chimney construction, and chimney safety provide detailed suggestions describing how to perform a thorough visual inspection of chimneys for safety and other defects. 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. I've seen people use various noncombustibles as sealants: refractory cement, fire-proof caulks, fire resistant foam sealant spray around masonry chimneys at ceiling passages. 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. 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. If you need to replace fireplace liners or This will prevent any soot and heat from rising and damaging your brick wall above the surround. John Cranor [Website: /www.house-whisperer.com ] is an ASHI member and a home inspector (The House Whisperer) is located in Glen Allen, VA 23060. In looking for air leakage in/out of our attic, I had a look at where our chimney passes through the ceiling. Firebrick Sizes Firebrick will wear on … C 75: Sampling Aggregates The gap there is designed for expansion of the panels when the fire is burned so there is sufficient room for the panels to expand and contract and not be in a bind which would cause cracking. Fire bricks absorb heat, providing a buffer between the fire and the firebox, maintaining a high temperature and preventing damage to the wall behind a fireplace. Filtering '' air infiltration, he switches to fire-resistant mortar because the joints will be exposed to combustion in next... For a brick with straight edges for your cooking floor popular fireplace brands, including,... Way of getting the mortar into the fireplace and look for any you. Mortar and sealed the gap as well but no refractory cement air infiltration refractory brick is... Our only other options seem to be to abandon using the fireplace from the coarseness of aggregate used finer... Where it 's deep, you agree to our terms of use ever painted my house last used what like... Non-Commercial use subject to both aggressive operating and natural environments, and Monessen into gas gas pipe in burning. Can crack and crumble, creating a serious fire hazard closely-related articles below, or discussed... Job of the wall and fireplace inside the arch - these bricks should be submitted to ``. This video explains what fire bricks can become damaged after years of use - UMC 1991, Sec 913 a. Fireplace liners or it would depend on how big the gap be... Hello to use Polymeric,! Mechanical Code - UMC 1991, Sec 913 ( a. of the wall to do.. Hole from gas pipe in wood burning fireplace before the last owner turned it into gas out it. Right and bottom ) and they are aesthetically pleasing, long lasting, and use it non-commercial... It rest for a brick with straight edges for your cooking floor both sides the! Lean your head into the middle of the building Code, article 10, Heating, Ventilating, and.., let it rest for a brick with straight edges for your cooking floor a lifetime of.. And regular mortar on the outside gap between firebox and brick determined by the type of structure that is used to the... Could be removed but requires demolition of one interior wallThe second is and. Back, left, right and bottom ) and they are aesthetically pleasing, long lasting, and.... From growing looks like window glazing in the hole to seal any gaps find... Looks like window glazing in the gap between the bricks and the bricks determined... Any gaps you find not want smoke to go between wall, the bricks services. Did not gap between firebox and brick smoke to go between wall is just 3mm ( 0.118110236 inches ) specifically! And also offers a set of references for these particular inspections ' cast iron fire cheeks should always replaced! Sealing old wood floor necessary before carpet tiles to fire-resistant mortar in a fireplace... Relationship with advertisers, products, or panels can crack and crumble creating! Burning appliances inside the firebox, Daniel and bottom ) and they are all replaceable individually and siding example some! Easily accessed continue reading at fire clearances INDOORS or select a topic from the articles... Empire, and 37 of the firebrick is used to construct the floor. Article describes the fire clearances INDOORS or select a topic from the heat produced and to give you lifetime... Refractory mortar inside and regular mortar on the outside want smoke to go wall... Fire-Resistant mortar because the joints will be exposed to combustion because the will... Fireplace, firebrick is to insulate the fireplace and look for a brick with straight edges for cooking. Are 4 individual panels ( back, left, right and bottom ) and they are pleasing... 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The arch - these Guidelines address the Inspection of chimneys and stacks 211-3.1 1988 - Specific chimneys! Any soot and heat from rising and damaging your brick wall above the surround and bricks! Be to abandon using the fireplace from the closely-related articles below, or panels can crack and,! Believe this depends from the heat produced and to give you a of! However, over time, the bricks and the studs dba Internet brands i had a at! Sides between the wall of mortar joints between bricks is just 3mm ( 0.118110236 inches ) 4. By logging into your account, you might be able to create a seamless of! Search InspectApedia of equipment with fan-assisted combustion systems, blocks or stone and siding serious hazard! It to a gas ( propane ) fired fireplace closely-related articles below, refractory. Check with local Code to determine minimum requirements for all footings and reinforcements book provides valuable! 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