Originally Posted By: rray This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I had an enclosed patio which had enclosed the chimney. Other than the ash cleanout cover missing (and small children to be in residence), what’s the yeah or nay on this? Gut feeling is that I don’t like it.
Originally Posted By: gbeaumont This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Hi Russel,
other than the lack of clean out door, I can see no other reportable issues with this chimney, if I were realy looking to call anything further out I would pehaps comment on what looks like some damp stains in the bottom few courses, but thats realy nit-picking
Originally Posted By: mpatton This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Russel,
The picture shows that the area around the clean-out is finished. With a door in place, I would have a concern of a potential hot ash during clean-out possibly causing a fire or at least doing some damage to the carpet. Also their is a potential for the door to be left off/open during the use of the fireplace which is a real concern.
The obvious is replace the door, I would make the recommendation that the opening be treated much like a fireplace with a non flammable floor covering in the immediate area, 16" to the front and 8" on each side.
They may not follow any of the above but I personally would feel better having made the recommendation. New building codes would most likely prohibit the condition shown.
-- Michael Patton
AA Home Inspection
Serving Northern KY & Greater Cincinnati OH
Originally Posted By: rray This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Interesting perspective, Michael. Thanks.
I just got back a couple of hours ago from helping to rescue horses, dogs, cats, and other pets from the wildfires where I live. Without today's fire lessons, I might not have thought about asking any other questions about this fireplace.
I know at least three homes and one condo that I have inspected this year burned down today.
Originally Posted By: dbush This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I hate to admit it, but I agree with Gerry. The damp stains on the bricks and carpet yeah, but if they replace the door to keep the kids & rodents out, then I would say, ok.
Russel, how is your house doing from the fire area?
Originally Posted By: rray This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I’m in the central mountains of East County. We’re covered in ash and surrounded by fires on all sides, but not in harm’s way yet. The fires are closing in though. Temperatures are high, and winds are gusting to 51 mph in some areas. The marine layer is supposed to return on Wednesday to bring us some high humidity, but who knows what today and tomorrow will bring. Three homes and one condo that I inspected this year burned down in Scripps Ranch yesterday. There is no sun today. It’s almost totally dark. My dawn-to-dusk lights won’t go off.
I've always been a practical person since my very first home in the floodplains of Houston was flooded away many decades ago. My house here is stucco (duh) with a slate roof, and I have removed all the pine and eucalyptus trees (they are explosive when they burn) and replaced all the landscaping with cactus and succulents to provide fire breaks.
Two of my neighbors, however, have wood shake roofs and we've been keeping an eye on them. Ashes and burning embers carry for miles in these winds.
I've given my employees off today and I'll be going out shortly to help rescue dogs, cats, horses, pigs, cows, and any other wildlife we can find. Wildlife tends to walk through the ashes and burn their little feetsies. And I'll do all this without a single margarita!
