"Everyone who is a fan of this Facebook page, please read this and PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE sign the petition at the bottom of this post. ALMOST EVERY HOMEOWNER WITH A FIREPLACE IN THE UNITED STATES IS AFFECTED!!!
Currently, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is considering an unsubstantiated and uncalled-for change to the National Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances for the upcoming edition.
This is most likely to affect those factory-built fireplaces that are no longer supported, but has far-reaching potential to require you to REPLACE YOUR FIREPLACE or ABANDON USE OF YOUR FIREPLACE.
This change would ban all aftermarket replacement parts for factory-built fireplaces - of which there are tens of millions across the United States. For example, this change would mean that if we came out and inspected your factory-built fireplace and the chimney cap was missing or damaged, or if we found your refractory panel was cracked, or if your grate was worn out, or even if your firescreen was warped, we would NOT be allowed to replace those components with similar aftermarket parts. ONLY parts directly from the manufacturer or those parts that are specifically approved by your Local Code Authority would be allowed.
Here's the problem in several different ways:
1. MANY manufacturers of factory-built fireplaces are out of business. We can't even get those parts. You would be required to REPLACE your fireplace if it needs parts. NO EXCEPTIONS.
2. MANY manufacturers of factory-built fireplaces don't support older units with parts. You would be required to REPLACE your fireplace if it needs parts. NO EXCEPTIONS.
3. Without exception, ALL manufacturers of factory-built fireplaces are a nightmare to deal with to even order parts. Sometimes, they will only sell to an authorized dealer. Sometimes an authorized dealer will not sell parts to anyone - even if they don't have their own service department. If there is no authorized dealer in the area, we would have to attempt to order factory-supplied parts. If we can't get parts, you would be required to REPLACE your fireplace if it needs parts. NO EXCEPTIONS.
4. Most masonry fireplace accessories are not listed either because there is not an appropriate standard or because the products involved (i.e. glass doors for masonry fireplaces) are impossible to certify. The fireplace accessory standard (UL 907) specifies a fireplace design and test process (radiant and brand firing conducted to equilibrium) that the fireplace alone will not pass.
5. The local code authorities have no training and have no intention of spending the time and resources to approve individual replacement parts for these factory-built fireplaces.
6. The consumer - YOU - would be burdened tremendously by the requirement that you would have to REPLACE your fireplace if it needs parts if no parts are available. THIS CAN EASILY BE A COST OF $5,000 AND UP TO DO A FACTORY-BUILT FIREPLACE REPLACEMENT. Your only other choice would be to completely discontinue use of your factory-built fireplace - THE FOCAL POINT OF YOUR ROOM!!!
Everyone, this change being considered has ALREADY passed the first committee vote.
This change is NOT supported by the National Chimney Sweep Guild and it is NOT supported by the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association. Additionally, both organizations are actively lobbying AGAINST THIS CHANGE.
From what we are aware of, there is ABSOLUTELY NO PROOF that parts replacement with similarly engineered parts on a factory-built fireplace has caused any structure fire of any kind.
There IS proof that improper installation of factory-built fireplaces and improper use of factory-built fireplaces and improper modification of factory-built fireplaces has caused structure fires.
Think of it like this: This would be the same as requiring that you install ONLY factory-supplied automotive parts on your car. You would have to REPLACE YOUR CAR if you couldn't get factory-supplied parts for it.
This change in the standard is uncalled for, it's not supported by the industry, and it's just not right.
If you feel the decision on when and if to use aftermarket parts should be left in the hands of chimney and venting professionals please join us by signing the petition.
PLEASE GO TO THIS LINK AND SIGN THE PETITION!
The petition states: We ask that the NFPA 211 Committee rejects the proposed changes in regards to after-market parts for masonry and factory built fireplaces.
Here is the link to the petition:
tinyurl.com/kooehup
PLEASE SEND THIS POST TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW. This needs to go viral. This is a very bad change and, again, it is NOT supported by the hearth industry.
If you would like to discuss this personally with me and find out more, please private message this page and I will get in touch with you personally.
WE ARE ON A TIME DEADLINE. The "comments" period is closing on November 14, 2014.
Please help us help you by signing the petition.
Sincerely,
Bart Ogden, President
Home Safe Hearth & Chimney, Inc.
Wichita, KS
www.facebook.com/Home.Safe.Hearth.and.Ch...760648233954/?type=1
