Sheetmetal Fireblocking Above Vent-free FP?

georgia dawg

My inspector says that I need a piece of sheetmetal fireblocking above my vent-free fireplace. (standard corner framing). I coundn't find a reference for such a thing for vent-free fireplaces, which are essentially just fireplace shaped heaters with no flues. We use IRC code. Comments and opinions appreciated.

mdshunk

Simply put, that requirement doesn't explicitly exist in the IRC for your factory built vent-free fireplace. There are three possible reasons why the inspector is requiring it:

1) It's possible that there exists a MRLR (more restrictive local rule) that requires the sheet metal.
2) It's part of the instructions for your fireplace unit to do so. §R1004.1 of the IRC does require that that factory built fireplace manufacturer's instructions be followed exactly.
3) He's confused. Ask him for the exact code section number and see if he pony's up or backs down. I'm kinda curious why this is too.