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Walls Behind Fireplaces

    Scope
    Scope Images
    Image
    Install an air barrier behind fireplaces installed on exterior walls
    Scope

    Install an air barrier behind fireplaces installed on exterior walls.

    • Install insulation without misalignments, compressions, gaps, or voids in all exterior wall cavities behind fireplaces.
    • Cover the wall cavities with a fire-proof rigid air barrier or other supporting material to create a continuous thermal barrier and prevent a fire hazard. 
    • Seal any seams, gaps, and holes in the air barrier with fire-rated caulk or foam before fireplace installation.
    • Maintain clearances between combustible materials and the firebox and flue as required by the International Residential Code and/or other applicable codes (IRC 2009, 2012, 2015).

    See the Compliance Tab for related codes and standards requirements, and criteria to meet national programs such as DOE’s Zero Energy Ready Home programENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes, and EPA Indoor airPLUS.

    Description
    Description

    When a fireplace is installed on an exterior wall, it is important to install an air barrier behind it after installing insulation but before the fireplace is installed. An air barrier is defined as any durable, solid material that blocks air flow between conditioned space and unconditioned space, including necessary sealing to block excessive air flow at edges and seams and adequate support to resist positive and negative pressures without displacement or damage. Air barrier material behind fireplaces must tolerate heat. Air barrier material can include thin sheet goods such as rigid insulation, sheet metal, or dry wall. These materials may be installed by insulators, framers, or subcontractors or vendors hired specifically to install the fireplace. This task should be included in the contract for the appropriate trade depending on the workflow at the specific job sites.

    Note when designing the fireplace location, adequate clearance must be provided between the chimney and firebox and the insulation and air barrier material, as required by local codes and the manufacturer’s recommendations.

    How to Insulate and Air Seal the Wall behind Your Fireplace

    1. Insulate the exterior wall enclosing the fireplace and chimney to the top of the second floor ceiling with rigid foam exterior sheathing taped at the seams and sealed at the edges. (See Figures 1 and 2.)
    2. Install fire stop blocking.
    3. Install support blocking for thin-profile structural sheathing.
    4. Apply insulation (batt or spray foam) within the framing of the wall up to the ceiling or roof line.
    5. Install a thin structural sheathing material (e.g., drywall, rigid insulation, lightweight steel or aluminum sheeting). Bend the liner at the corners or seal seams with a bead of adhesive.
    6. Tape the liner to the enclosure opening on both the sides and at the top of the fireplace enclosure.
    7. Install the fireplace and chimney and closure framing.
    8. After the new fireplace insert and chimney are installed, seal the enclosure by placing a sheet-metal fire stop around the chimney pipe where it enters the firebox.
    9. Seal the joints and seams of the fire stop with an approved high-temperature sealant.
    Draft stopping and air barrier at fireplace enclosure, plan view.
    Figure 1. Draft stopping and air barrier at fireplace enclosure, plan view.

     

    Draft stopping and air barrier at fireplace enclosure, side view.
    Figure 2. Draft stopping and air barrier at fireplace enclosure, side view.

     

    Success
    Ensuring Success

    Air barrier effectiveness is measured at the whole-house level. High-performance branding programs and the IECC code require that builders meet specified infiltration rates at the whole-house level. See the Compliance tab for these specified infiltration rates. Blower door testing may help indicate whether air leakage behind a fireplace has been successfully sealed. An infrared camera can be used in conjunction with the blower door testing to inspect the insulation and to detect air leakage behind the fireplace from the outside.

    Climate
    Climate

    The map in Figure 1 shows the climate zones for states that have adopted energy codes equivalent to the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) 2009, 12, 15, and 18. The map in Figure 2 shows the climate zones for states that have adopted energy codes equivalent to the IECC 2021. Climate zone-specific requirements specified in the IECC are shown in the Compliance Tab of this guide. 

    Figure 1. Climate Zone Map from IECC 2009, 12, 15, and 18.
    Figure 1. Climate Zone Map from IECC 2009, 12, 15, and 18. (Source: 2012 IECC)
    Climate Zone Map from IECC 2021.
    Figure 2. Climate Zone Map from IECC 2021. (Source: 2021 IECC)

     

    Training
    Right and Wrong Images
    Image
    Wrong--No insulation installed behind fireplace
    Wrong--No insulation installed behind fireplace
    Image
    Right – Insulation installed behind fireplace prior to air barrier installation
    Right – Insulation installed behind fireplace prior to air barrier installation
    Image
    Wrong – No rigid air barrier is installed behind fireplace
    Wrong – No rigid air barrier is installed behind fireplace
    Image
    Right – Rigid air barrier is installed behind fireplace
    Right – Rigid air barrier is installed behind fireplace
    Image
    Wrong – No rigid air barrier is installed behind fireplace
    Wrong – No rigid air barrier is installed behind fireplace
    Image
    Right – Rigid air barrier is installed behind fireplace
    Right – Rigid air barrier is installed behind fireplace
    Image
    Right – Spray foam air seals and insulates the walls including the walls behind the fireplace and covers the underside of the roof deck of this mixed-dry climate home to provide an insulated attic space for HVAC ducts.
    Right – Spray foam air seals and insulates the walls including the walls behind the fireplace and covers the underside of the roof deck of this mixed-dry climate home to provide an insulated attic space for HVAC ducts.
    Image
    Right – Vent and air barrier sealed
    Right – Vent and air barrier sealed
    Image
    Wrong – Flue not sealed around opening
    Wrong – Flue not sealed around opening
    CAD
    CAD Files
    Air sealing at cantilevered manufactured fireplace assembly
    Air sealing at cantilevered manufactured fireplace assembly
    Download: DWG PDF
    Air sealing at platform for manufactured fireplace assembly
    Air sealing at platform for manufactured fireplace assembly
    Download: DWG PDF
    Compliance

    Compliance

    The Compliance tab contains both program and code information. Code language is excerpted and summarized below. For exact code language, refer to the applicable code, which may require purchase from the publisher. While we continually update our database, links may have changed since posting. Please contact our webmaster if you find broken links.

    ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes, Version 3/3.1 (Rev. 11)

    Rater Field Checklist

    Thermal Enclosure System.
    2. Fully-Aligned Air Barriers.7 At each insulated location below, a complete air barrier is provided that is fully aligned as follows:
    Walls: At exterior vertical surface of wall insulation in all climate zones; also at interior vertical surface of wall insulation in Climate Zones 4-8.9
    2.2 Walls behind showers, tubs, staircases, and fireplaces.

    Footnote 7) For purposes of this Checklist, an air barrier is defined as any durable solid material that blocks air flow between conditioned space and unconditioned space, including necessary sealing to block excessive air flow at edges and seams and adequate support to resist positive and negative pressures without displacement or damage. EPA recommends, but does not require, rigid air barriers. Open-cell or closed-cell foam shall have a finished thickness ≥ 5.5 in. or 1.5 in., respectively, to qualify as an air barrier unless the manufacturer indicates otherwise. If flexible air barriers such as house wrap are used, they shall be fully sealed at all seams and edges and supported using fasteners with caps or heads ≥ 1 in. diameter unless otherwise indicated by the manufacturer. Flexible air barriers shall not be made of kraft paper, paper-based products, or other materials that are easily torn. If polyethylene is used, its thickness shall be ≥ 6 mil.

    Footnote 9) All insulated vertical surfaces are considered walls (e.g., above and below grade exterior walls, knee walls) and must meet the air barrier requirements for walls. The following exceptions apply: air barriers recommended, but not required, in adiabatic walls in multifamily dwellings; and, in Climate Zones 4 through 8, an air barrier at the interior vertical surface of insulation is recommended but not required in basement walls or crawlspace walls. For the purpose of these exceptions, a basement or crawlspace is a space for which ≥ 40% of the total gross wall area is below-grade.

    Please see the ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes Implementation Timeline for the program version and revision currently applicable in your state.

     

    DOE Zero Energy Ready Home (Revision 07)

    Exhibit 1 Mandatory Requirements.
    Exhibit 1, Item 1) Certified under the ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes Program or the ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction Program.
    Exhibit 2, Item 2) Ceiling, wall, floor, and slab insulation shall meet or exceed 2015 IECC levels and achieve Grade 1 installation, per RESNET standards. See the guide 2015 IECC Code Level Insulation – DOE Zero Energy Ready Home Requirements for more details.

    Exhibit 2 DOE Zero Energy Ready Home Target Home.
    The U.S. Department of Energy’s Zero Energy Ready Home program allows builders to choose a prescriptive or performance path. The DOE Zero Energy Ready Home prescriptive path requires builders to meet or exceed the minimum HVAC efficiencies listed in Exhibit 2 of the National Program Requirements (Rev 07), as shown below. The DOE Zero Energy Ready Home performance path allows builders to select a custom combination of measures for each home that is equivalent in performance to the minimum HERS index of a modeled target home that meets the requirements of Exhibit 2 as well as the mandatory requirements of Zero Energy Ready Home Exhibit 1.

    Exhibit 2, Insulation and Infiltration) Insulation levels shall meet the 2015 IECC and achieve Grade 1 installation, per RESNET standards. Whole house leakage must be tested and meet the following infiltration limits:

    • Zones 1-2: ≤ 3 ACH50;
    • Zones 3-4: ≤ 2.5 ACH50;
    • Zones 5-7: ≤ 2 ACH50;
    • Zone 8: ≤ 1.5 ACH50;
    • Attached dwellings: ≤ 3 ACH50.

    Footnote 23) Envelope leakage shall be determined by an approved verifier using a RESNET-approved testing protocol.

     

    2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)

    Table 402.4.2 Air Barrier and Insulation Inspection Component Criteria, Fireplace: Walls with fireplaces include air barriers. Table 402.4.2, Air barrier and thermal barrier:  Exterior wall insulation is installed in substantial contact and continuous alignment with the air barrier. Air permeable insulation is not used as a sealing material.

    2012 IECC

    Table R402.4.1.1 Air Barrier and Insulation Installation, Fireplace:  Fireplace walls have air barrier and closure doors are gasketed. Table R402.4.1.1, Air barrier and thermal barrier: A continuous air barrier is installed in the building envelope including rim joists and exposed edges of insulation. Breaks or joints in the air barrier are sealed.  Air permeable insulation is not used as a sealing material.

    20152018, and 2021 IECC

    Table R402.4.1.1 Air Barrier and Insulation Installation. General requirements: A continuous air barrier is installed in the building envelope including rim joists and exposed edges of insulation. Breaks or joints in the air barrier are sealed. Air-permeable insulation is not used as a sealing material.

    Retrofit:  2009, 2012, 2015, 2018,  and 2021 IECC

    Section R101.4.3 (in 2009 and 2012). Additions, alterations, renovations, or repairs shall conform to the provisions of this code, without requiring the unaltered portions of the existing building to comply with this code. (See code for additional requirements and exceptions.)

    Chapter 5 (in 2015, 2018, 2021). The provisions of this chapter shall control the alteration, repair, addition, and change of occupancy of existing buildings and structures.

     

    2009 International Residential Code (IRC)

    Table N1102.4.2 Air Barrier and Insulation Inspection Component Criteria, Fireplace: Walls with fireplaces include air barriers. Table N1102.4.2, Air barrier and thermal barrier:  Exterior wall insulation is installed in substantial contact and continuous alignment with the air barrier. Air permeable insulation is not used as a sealing material.

    2012 IRC

    Table N1102.4.1.1 Air Barrier and Insulation Installation, Fireplace:  Fireplace walls have air barrier and closure doors are gasketed. Table N1102.4.1.1, Air barrier and thermal barrier: A continuous air barrier is installed in the building envelope including rim joists and exposed edges of insulation. Breaks or joints in the air barrier are sealed.  Air permeable insulation is not used as a sealing material.

    20152018, and 2021 IRC

    Table N1102.4.1.1 Air Barrier and Insulation Installation, General requirements: A continuous air barrier is installed in the building envelope including rim joists and exposed edges of insulation. Breaks or joints in the air barrier are sealed. Air permeable insulation is not used as a sealing material.

    Retrofit:  2009, 2012, 2015, 2018,  and 2021 IRC

    Section R102.7.1 Additions, alterations, or repairs. Additions, alterations, renovations, or repairs shall conform to the provisions of this code, without requiring the unaltered portions of the existing building to comply with the requirements of this code, unless otherwise stated. (See code for additional requirements and exceptions.)

    Appendix J regulates the repair, renovation, alteration, and reconstruction of existing buildings and is intended to encourage their continued safe use.

     

    American Standard for Testing Materials (ASTM) E1677-11

    Standard Specification for Air Barrier (AB) Material or System for Low-Rise Framed Building Walls. This specification covers minimum performances and specification criteria for an air barrier material or system for framed, opaque walls of low-rise buildings. The provisions are intended to allow the user to design the wall performance criteria and increase air barrier specifications for a particular climate location, function, or design.

     

    Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA) 07261

    Self-Adhered Sheet Air Barrier. 2006. Air Barrier Association of America, Walpole, MA. This specification for self-adhered sheet air barriers is developed by a professional association, the Air Barrier Association of America, to provide guidance to the design professional.

    ABAA 07262

    Fluid-Applied Air and Vapor Barrier. 2012. Air Barrier Association of America, Walpole, MA. This specification for air barriers that are fluid-applied and also act as vapor barriers is developed by a professional association, the Air Barrier Association of America, to provide guidance to the design professional.

    ABAA 07263

    Closed Cell, Medium-Density Spray Polyurethane Foam Air Barrier. 2011. Air Barrier Association of America, Walpole, MA. This specification for closed cell, medium-density spray polyurethane foam air barriers is developed by a professional association, the Air Barrier Association of America, to provide guidance to the design professional.

    ABAA 07265

    Fluid-Applied Vapor Permeable Air Barrier. 2012. Air Barrier Association of America, Walpole, MA. This specification for fluid-applied vapor permeable air barriers is developed by a professional association, the Air Barrier Association of America, to provide guidance to the design professional.

    More

    More Info.

    Access to some references may require purchase from the publisher. While we continually update our database, links may have changed since posting. Please contact our webmaster if you find broken links.

    References and Resources*
    Author(s)
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
    Organization(s)
    EPA
    Publication Date
    Description
    Guide describing details that serve as a visual reference for each of the line items in the Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist.
    *For non-dated media, such as websites, the date listed is the date accessed.
    Contributors to this Guide

    The following authors and organizations contributed to the content in this Guide.

    Sales
    Building Science Measures
    Building Science-to-Sales Translator

    Fully Aligned Air Barriers = Whole-House Draft Barrier

    Image(s)
    Technical Description

    A whole-house draft barrier is a continuous layer of air-tight materials that block air leaks. This barrier can be integrated with other materials to also function as a water barrier, thermal barrier, and vapor barrier. For example, rigid foam insulation can be used to block thermal flow as well as air flow when seams are sealed with tape, caulk, adhesives, or liquid-applied sealants. Some rigid foams have an integrated water control layer as well. Additionally, drywall can serve as an interior air barrier when the seams are taped and spackled, and caulk, spray foam, or gaskets are used to seal around wiring, plumbing, and other penetrations. It also serves as the vapor barrier when finished with paint. Insulation should be in full contact with the air barrier layer.

    Whole-House Draft Barrier
    Sales Message

    Whole-house draft barriers block air flow that can undermine the thermal protection with a complete high-performance insulation system. What this means to you is less wasted energy along with enhanced comfort, quiet, and durability. Wouldn’t you agree it would be a shame to only get a partial return on your investment in advanced insulation?

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