CAN/CSA-A405-M87 (R2000) PDF Download

The CAN/CSA-A405-M87 (R2000) standard is a mandatory document that replaces the information in Appendix D of CSA Standard CAN3-A371 Masonry Construction for Buildings. It serves as a companion document to CSA Standard CAN3-B601 Qualification Code for Chimney Sweep Technicians, Installers, and Inspectors of Solid Fuel Burning Systems.

The standard recognizes that chimneys and fireplaces are now subjected to more rigorous conditions due to factors such as energy conservation, tighter housing, lower flue gas temperatures, and increased use of wood-burning appliances. To address these challenges, the standard calls for further research in areas such as flue sizes, durability of masonry flue liners and joints, insulation of chimneys, and provision of combustion air to fireplaces.

The standard also includes requirements for the construction and installation of metal fireplace liners. Underwriters' Laboratories of Canada (ULC) are developing similar requirements for steel liner assemblies for solid fuel-burning masonry fireplaces and steel flue liners, which may be incorporated into the standard in the future.

The standard provides advisory and educational information in the appendices, including guidelines on chimney maintenance and repair and the use of insulation in chimney construction. It is written in SI (metric) units, with imperial conversion factors provided for convenience.

The scope of the standard covers the minimum design and construction requirements for chimneys of masonry or concrete not exceeding 12 m in height that serve fireplaces or appliances with a combined rated heat output not exceeding 120 kW, as well as residential fireplaces of masonry or concrete. Guidelines for inspection, maintenance, repair, and retrofit are included in the appendices. Chimneys and fireplaces not meeting the scope requirements must be constructed in accordance with Part 6, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning, of the National Building Code of Canada.