Preface
This is the first edition of CSA Standard CAN/CSA-A405, Design and Construction of Masonry Chimneys and Fireplaces. It will replace the information contained in Appendix D of CSA Standard CAN3-A371 Masonry Construction for Buildings, and is intended as companion document to CSA Standard CAN3-B601 Qualification Code for Chimney Sweep Technicians, Installers, and inspectors of Solid Fuel Burning Systems.
This Standard is written in mandatory language so as to be suitable for referencing in the National Building Code of Canada and the appropriate Provincial building codes.
During the preparation of this Standard it became evident that because of factors arising from the need to conserve energy, such as tighter housing, lower flue gas temperatures and the increased use of wood-burning appliances, chimneys and fireplaces are now being subjected to more rigorous conditions than in the past.
This Standard, in attempting to address these problems, has identified a need for further research, particularly with respect to flue sizes, the durability of masonry flue liners and their joints, the insulating of chimneys, and provision for combustion air to fireplaces. This Standard contains requirements for the construction and installation of metal fireplace liners. Underwriters’ Laboratories of Canada are in the process of developing similar requirements in ULC S639, Standard for Steel Liner Assemblies for Solid Fuel Burning Masonry Fireplaces, which will be considered for referencing by the Technical Committee when it is available. ULC are also working on the preparation of a Standard on steel flue liners, which will be considered for referencing in due course.
Information of an advisory and educational nature is provided in the appendices. Included are guidelines on the maintenance and repair of chimneys and the use of insulation in chimney construction.
This Standard is written in SI (metric) units. Imperial conversion factors are included in Appendix E for the user’s information.
Scope
1.1
This Standard sets forth the minimum design and construction requirements for:
(a) chimneys of masonry or concrete not exceeding 12 m in height that serve fireplaces, or that serve appliances with a combined rated heat output not exceeding 120 kW;
(b) residential fireplaces of masonry or concrete.
Guidelines for inspection, maintenance, repair, and retrofit are included in the Appendices.
Note: Chimneys and fireplaces other than those described in Clause 1.1 shall be constructed in accordance with Part 6, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning, of the National Building Code of Canada.
