Fireplace and chimney systems are frequently at the center of fire investigations and subsequently should be objectively and comprehensively evaluated. SAFE Labs is equipped to systematically exam and test fireplace and chimney systems to get to the root cause of any failure. Field and laboratory tests can be utilized to assist in determining failure causation. Video-scoping and smoke testing for example are available field services frequently used in evaluating these systems. Laboratory testing of incident units or exemplar systems are sometimes utilized in evaluating failure causation. Some of the systems we investigate include:
Site built masonry fireplaces and chimney systems are regulated by building codes and standards. Proper construction in compliance with building codes and standards are critical to preventing a failure and subsequent structural fire. Improper construction on or relative to combustible construction, improper refractory and masonry materials, improper construction of ash pits and hearth extensions are some examples of fire causative failures. SAFE Labs is equipped to evaluate and test site-built fireplace and chimney systems and determine the cause of any failure(s).
Pre-fabricated metal fireplace and chimney systems are regulated not only by building codes but also by testing and listing standards (for example Underwriter’s Laboratories Standard UL 127 Factory Built Fireplaces) to which they are tested and listed in accordance with. The manufacturer’s installation instructions are part of the listing and adopted by the building code as part of the provisions for proper installation. Failure to comply with the manufacturer’s installation instructions therefore violates the building code and the listing of the product. Improper fireplace installation relative to combustible construction, improper façade surround construction, improper hearth extension construction, improper vent piping materials, construction or termination, improper gas-fired appliances, improper venting configurations, and improper unlisted shrouds are some examples of fire causative defects with pre-fabricated metal fireplace and chimney systems.
SAFE Labs is equipped to evaluate and test the installation of pre-fabricated fireplace and chimney systems and determine the cause of any failure(s) both in the field and in the laboratory. Our laboratory has constructed and tested full sized exemplar pre-fabricated fireplace and chimney systems to determine failure modes.
Modular fireplaces are pre-fabricated masonry systems that are delivered to a job site on pallets in individual pieces. The pieces are then to be assembled by a qualified contractor in accordance with the provided manufacturer’s installation instructions.
Much like prefabricated metal fireplace and chimney systems, modular fireplaces are regulated not only by building codes but also by testing and listing standards. And similar to pre-fabricated metal fireplace and chimney systems, the manufacturer’s installation instructions are adopted by the building code as part of the provisions for proper installation. Failure to comply with the manufacturer’s installation instructions therefore violates the building code and the listing of the product. Modular units are subject to the same failure and fire causative conditions as pre-fabricated metal fireplace and chimney systems as well as site-built fireplace and chimney systems.
SAFE Labs is equipped to evaluate and test the installation of modular fireplace and chimney systems and determine the cause of any failure(s). Our laboratory has constructed and tested full sized exemplar modular and chimney fireplace systems to determine failure modes.
There are many applicable codes and standards that apply to fireplace and chimney systems (including for example the International Residential Building Code (IRC), the International Building Code (IBC) and NFPA 211 Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel Burning Appliances). SAFE Labs maintains a large and continuously growing library of codes, standards and regulations that we review, analyze and incorporate into each incident we investigate.