Fireplace Air Barrier - Field Application of the Energy Code

Thanks for viewing one of our lessons in our Field Application of the Energy Code Series. This group of mini-lessons was created to provide a little information about how the 2021 IECC is being put into practice. This video reviews a couple of common air-sealing topics for fire places covered in the 2021 Energy Code
This series was created through a collaboration between Shaunna Mozingo from Mozingo Code Group, Robby Schwarz from BUILDTank inc., and produced by TEACHconstruction.org

[@roxyiesdad850]

I am adding a great room with a fireplace exactly like your video but the framers/contractor did not put a supplemental air barrier on the exterior wall behind the fireplace. they have just installed Rockwool on the ext wall but have not enclosed the fireplace yet. It has been installed and the vent pipe is installed venting through the roof. What recommendations do you have for adding the supplemental at this point in the build? It’s the same scenario as you have but without the added air barrier installed. I am in TN which I think still uses the 2018 code.

[@ConstructionEd]

If not required by code you are OK and you will likely have a hard time convincing the framer to add it now. But there are ways to still add the air barrier, in most cases

[@charlesviner1565]

👍📐🔨

[@ConstructionEd]

Thanks Charles

[@corydauer]

That was very hard to understand.

[@SinglehandedSailing]

You are correct. This video is intended to be part of the IECC air barrier assembly conversation - covered in our coursework.