03-007 (11) NON 2 719M
Ms. Peggy Hughes
Page 2---October 25, 1996
Once installed, the chimney units were parged with cement mortar in order to seal them in
accordance with the installation instructions. From our observation of the un-enclosed chimney,
it appeared that the required 1 %2 inch clearance was maintained between the face of the units and
the wood structural framing forming the shaft enclosure. We did not, however, observe the in-
filling with mineral wool of the gaps between the units and the wood framing as described in the
technical data.
Based upon the data reviewed, we believe the ANKI units installed in your houses should
function as intended and should not create a fire/life safety hazard provided that:
1. The chimneys are not also used to vent combustion gases from fuel burning appliances.
2. The use of the fireplaces is limited to the burning of well seasoned hardwood of
dimensions and quantities appropriate for the fireplace opening size.
3. When in use, adequate fresh air is supplied to the fireplace opening through normal
infiltration, by cracking open a window or otherwise providing a source of makeup air.
4. At least annually,preferably before the fireplaces are first used each fall, the chimneys,
fireplaces and ash pits are cleaned and inspected by a chimney sweep certified by the
Guild. Repair any damage observed prior to using the fireplace.
5. The fireplace is not used to cook meals or as the primary source of space heating during
the normal heating season.
FIREPRO Incorporated makes all reasonable efforts to incorporate practical and advanced fire
protection concepts into its advice. The extent to which this advice is carried out affects the
probability of fire safety. It should be recognized,however, that fire protection is not an exact
science. No amount of advice can, therefore, guarantee freedom from either ignition or fire
damage.
Sincerely yours,
FI Incorporated OF
- FS�"�t► Mass
6JohnJOHN M.FOEHLFIRE PROTECTION
M.Yoeh1yP-E.- No.28231 ultant S%IYA4 mg
103 - oa
October 25, 1996 W2 7
File: 82H2621
Ms. Peggy Hughes
468 Coles Meadow Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Subject: ANKI Chimney Systems
Dear Ms. Hughes:
We have reviewed the general and technical literature you provided concerning the ANKI precast
Portland cement and pumice aggregate concrete block chimney units produced in Denmark.
These precast chimney units were used to construct two interior chimneys (one in each of the
houses on your property) which serve single open fireplaces in the living rooms of the houses.
In addition, we observed and measured sample units remaining from the chimney construction in
your houses and visited the site to view and photograph the chimneys; one completed and closed
in; the second completed, but not yet enclosed. We also spoke with Mr. Kevin L. Sparkes who
holds the distribution rights to the ANKI Chimney Systems in the United Kingdom.
The ANKI precast, cellular, interlocking, concrete block chimney units have been produced by
two Danish firms Petri & Haugsted A/S and L. Frandsen A/S for at least 25 years. In the United
Kingdom, the units have been certified by the British Board of Agreement since 1983. Re-
certification occurred in 1987. This certificate was re-issued in 1991, reviewed in 1993 and is
currently under normal follow-up review.
In the United Kingdom, about 90 percent of the ANKI block chimneys serve wood burning
stoves. Because of the excellent thermal insulating properties of the units, condensation within
the chimney's height is minimized with attendant reduction in creosote and tar build-up on the
walls of the flue. Temperatures on the exterior face of the units are lower than normally
encountered with conventional brick or block construction.
For the chimneys in your houses, ANKI 260 units were used. The units provide a nominal 10
inch square flue with a cross sectional area of 105 square inches. Based upon the technical data
reviewed, this unit is appropriate for the 36 inch wide by 28 inch high fireplace openings used.
The sizing also conforms to the rule that the flue area range from 1/12th to 1/IOth of the area of
the fireplace opening.
FII�EPIKO®Incorporated
One Van de Graaff Drive,Burlington,MA 01803-5171
Phone:617.270.5200 - Fax:617.229.2922