Wood fireplaces, appreciated for their charm and conviviality, are now raising major concerns in co-ownership buildings. Due to public health, environmental protection and safety issues, these installations must now comply with strict standards, such as those established by the Quebec Construction Code. In addition, municipal regulations, particularly in Montreal, impose significant restrictions on their use and sometimes require costly compliance work. This article examines the challenges associated with these installations and proposes solutions to ensure compliance while preserving the safety of occupants.
Municipal regulations and their impact
Municipalities, such as Montreal, have the legal authority to adopt regulations regarding public health and the environment. This includes restrictions on
installations such as wood-burning fireplaces, even if they were compliant when they were initially installed. For example, since October 1, 2018, Montreal has banned the use of non-compliant fireplaces in order to reduce fine particle emissions, a major public health issue.
This regulation imposes a strict limit: wood-burning fireplaces and stoves must emit less than 2.5 g/h of fine particles to be used legally. In addition, in the event of a smog alert, the use of solid fuel appliances is prohibited, even if they meet the standards, under penalty of fines.
Non-compliant fireplaces: a risk for the co-ownership
In buildings constructed before modern updates to the Building Code, wood-burning fireplaces are often poorly insulated or not compartmentalized. This means that the flues are not sufficiently separated from other elements of the building, increasing the risk of fire. This situation represents a serious threat to the safety of residents and also complicates the insurability of buildings.
Building Code Requirements
The Building Code imposes strict standards to limit the spread of fire through flues. These standards include:
1. Compartmentalization of fireplaces and flues: Each fireplace must be insulated with fire-resistant materials, clearly separating the private areas from the common areas.
2. Chimney sealing: Flues must be designed to prevent smoke and heat leakage into adjacent areas.
3. Upgrading existing installations: Any modification or upgrade must meet current requirements, including the addition of fire-stopping materials or safety devices.
Costs and challenges associated with compliance
Upgrading wood-burning fireplaces can generate significant costs, particularly in older buildings. This work often includes:
This work may be perceived as a significant financial burden, but it is essential to preserve the safety of occupants and protect the value of the building.
Alternative solutions for co-ownership
For co-ownership that do not wish to invest in bringing wood-burning fireplaces up to standard, several alternatives exist:
1. Replacement with compliant fireplaces: Install gas or electric fireplaces that meet current standards and do not present the same fire risks.
2. Condemnation of existing fireplaces: This option consists of making the fireplaces unusable, which eliminates the risks but can reduce the attractiveness of the unit.
The role of the architect in compliance
An architect plays a central role in the assessment and compliance of non-compliant fireplaces. Their expertise allows them to:
Conclusion
Bringing wood fireplaces into compliance is an essential step in complying with municipal regulations and ensuring safety in co-ownerships. Although the costs can be high, adapted solutions help preserve both the safety of residents and the value of property. The role of architects, co-ownership managers and syndicates is central to carrying out these projects successfully.
Good to know: The RBQ has published a guide in PDF format (675 KB) to facilitate the request for different measures concerning the upgrading of chimney flue installations.
This guide was designed to support owners and stakeholders in the construction sector by providing them with key principles to use in this process.
Remember: In the context of new construction, compliance is generally achieved by complying with the Construction Code in force. However, for existing constructions, it may be necessary to use different measures to meet the standards, especially if the current installations have compliance gaps.
Warning: Non-compliant installations can pose serious safety issues, including fire hazards. It is essential to assess and upgrade these flues to ensure the safety of occupants and avoid major incidents.
Illustration
A drawing could show a cross-section of a co-ownership building, highlighting an uncompartmentalized chimney flue and its risks (fire spread). Correct compartmentalization with fire-resistant materials could also be illustrated to clearly explain the importance of this intervention.
Georges Fallah, Architect
Member of the Quebec Order of Architects (MOAQ)
President of G.A.P.Immeubles inc
Tél. : (514) 946 8807
Fax : (450) 478-4932
Courriel : [email protected]
The columns express the personal opinion of their authors and do not in any way commit the responsibility of the site's publisher, CondoLegal.com Inc. The content and opinions expressed in a column are solely those of the author.
