By Frank G. Ross  

Benjamin Franklin was famous for his curiosity, his writings, his inventions, and his diversity of interests.  He believed in volunteerism and was mindful of the greater good.  He lived his motto that “well done is better than well said.”

In the 18^th century, the strict fire and building codes we have today were unknown.  Homes were built of wood and heated by open hearths.  The danger of fire spreading out of control was ever present.  In 1735, Franklin organized the first volunteer Fire Department in Philadelphia, which still remains the model for our modern fire departments.   At the same time, in the interest of public safety, he called for minimum standards in the design of fireplace hearths, hearth extensions, and combustible material clearance – the first building codes. 

Modern building codes are based on the principles Franklin proposed, which prescribe these clearances in detail.  For instance, no combustible material is allowed within 6 inches of the fireplace opening.  One inch clearance is needed for each 1/8 inch of projection of combustible material within 12 inches of the fireplace opening.  For example, a ¾ inch projection needs 6 inches of clearance.

He also perceived the advantages of designing building in such a way that the spread of fire was impeded.  Franklin was proud that his final home – built after his return from France in 1785 – did not have concealed spaces where fire could spread.  Through wise use of plaster, Franklin’s home made use of fire blocking similar to the rules in today’s codes.   

Fireblocking slows the spread of a fire in concealed building cavities which can provide the occupants more time for escape and firefighters more protection against building collapse.   Garages and related storage spaces are often used to store flammable materials creating a dangerous potential for fire, so surfaces common to the house require fire-rated materials that slow the spread of fire.  Gypboard must be a minimum of ½ inch thick on garage side of walls common to house while the garage ceiling common to house must have a minimum 5/8 inch Type X gypboard.  The door to the house is to be rated 20-minute or 1-3/8 inch solid core material.  No openings from the garage to a room used for sleeping purposes are allowed. No duct openings are allowed in garages either. Additionally the floor needs to be noncombustible and slope to the vehicle door or a drain.

In colonial America, most homes were warmed by building a fire in a fireplace.  The typical fireplace design sent most of the heat up the chimney, used a lot of wood and was the cause of many house fires.  By the mid 1740s, the supply of firewood Philadelphia area was diminishing, and air pollution was beginning to be a problem.  It was at that time that Ben Franklin invented an iron furnace stove which warmed air before passing it into the room by circulating the air through loosely fitting iron plates.  Franklin’s stove design was more efficient than the fireplaces or stoves then in use, retaining more heat, thus reducing the demand for wood – resulting in less air pollution.  He named this stove the “Pennsylvania Fireplace,” although today it is known as the “Franklin Stove.”  Consistent with his desire to improve life for everyone, he refused to patent his inventions so that they might be shared and all could benefit.  Franklin’s interest in efficient heating systems continued through his life.  In 1785, his concern over the polluting effects of coal prompted him to design another stove that burned soft coal and consumed its own smoke.

The basic fireplace has changed little since Franklin’s day.  A roaring fire heats a room by radiating heat and can remove heated air from the house, sending it up the chimney.  For this reason, building codes require a source of combustion air to the firepit.  When using a fire, it is a good idea to turn down the thermostat.  Glass doors help prevent air loss, and fireplace inserts help recover heat from the fire and radiate it outward to the room.

Dirty chimneys are a fire hazard due to the accumulation of combustible creosote.  Consult a certified chimney sweep annually for cleaning and inspections.

“If you would not be forgotten, as soon as you are dead and rotten, either write things worth reading, or do things worth the writing,” stated Benjamin Franklin. He certainly has not been forgotten and his contributions to building and fire safety live on in code requirements that guide our modern building industry. 

Frank Ross is a Certified Utah Home Inspector for Pillar to Post Professional Home Inspection and a full member of the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors and a member in good standing with the Utah Better Business Bureau.  Readers may contact Mr. Ross at (435) 867-6400 or frank.ross@pillartopost.com