Property & Building Inspection · Task 12 of 19

Fireplaces & fuel-burning appliances study notes

Fireplaces, stoves, inserts, chimneys, flues and vents.

Key points

• 3-2-10 rule: the chimney extends 3 ft above the roof and 2 ft above anything within 10 ft.
• Hearth extension: 16 in. in front (20 in. for openings of 6 sq ft or more) and 8 in. (12 in.) to the sides.
• Dampers must operate; gas logs require the damper fixed open.
• Creosote, especially glazed creosote, is a chimney-fire risk; cracked flue tiles need a chimney professional.
• Factory-built units and wood stoves follow their listings: clearances, floor protection, listed connectors.
• A Level 2 chimney inspection is recommended at property transfer.

Exam tip

inspectors view what's accessible. Full flue evaluation needs a specialist.

Practise this task

Try free fireplaces & fuel-burning appliances practice questions with answers and explanations, or look up terms in the glossary.

These notes are an original study aid and may contain errors. Verify against current IRC, NEC and NFPA editions and your state's standards of practice.