Originally Posted By: tgardner This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I have a dilemma - while doing a listing inspection, I discovered that the elderly gent that is selling has installed non-venting gas logs in a wood-burning masonry fireplace. While checking the damper, I found that the damper had been removed. When I inquired as to the damper, He told be it broke 5 years ago, so he filled 6" of the chimney flue at the roof with concrete, and installed the gas log unit. When I was up on the roof, Sure enough, flue was plugged.
I am just not sure how to, or what to report on this one - any Ideas?
Originally Posted By: jfarsetta This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Quote:
" It is impossible for Inspector to determine with any degree of certainty whether all flues are free of defects. In accordance with recommendations made by the National Fire Prevention Association to have all chimneys inspected before buying or selling a home, the clients should consider having a C S I A, or equivalently certified chimney sweep, conduct a Level II inspection of all chimney flues prior to closing."
In most cases, we cannot see much of the flue. If chimney caps are installed, I do not remove them and peer down the chimney. On steel firebox fireplaces, I cannot see the steel smoke shelf, and determine with any degree of certainty whether it is rusted or not. I try and cover the bases, and my a$$ at the same time. Face it, there is much more within the workings of a fireplace or funace/boiler chimney or flue than we can possibly see...
Last winter, I inspected a home where there was a foot of snow on the roof. It has a metal chimney venting the heating system. I recommended the buyer have the chimney inspected by a certified sweep prior to closing. I received a call in the spring from an angry client. Seems that there was a hole in the chimney, just above the roofing tiles, about the size of a dime (allegedly). They wanted to know what I was going to do about it. I stated in the report that due to the presence of snow on the roof, it was unsafe to walk, and that it and all related components of the inspection were specifically excluded from the report, other than what could actually be seen. I also asked them if they had read the report prior to closing, and had the recommended inspection performed. Because the law was on the books, and I recommended a Level II inspection be performed prior to closing, there was no wiggle room. That little paragraph helped save me...
As to the sealed chimney flue referenced at the beginning of this thread, call it out.
-- Joe Farsetta
Illigitimi Non Carborundum
"Dont let the bastards grind you down..."
Originally Posted By: tgardner This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Joe, I used your quote and added a list of the CSIA guys in the area as an addendum.
I called one of the csia guys for his opinion - He said one of the problems with the current setup this guy has is condensation in ythe chimney - It will break down the clay tile liner. He said he will inspect the chimney for free - I can guess why!
Originally Posted By: ecrofutt This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Here’s what I tell them:
A thorough interior examination of the chimney and flue is beyond the scope of a normal home inspection. This report identifies and comments on those items that were able to be inspected. It further identifies those areas that were not readily accessible for inspection such as a complete view of the chimney and flue interior.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and B4U Close Home Inspections, recommend that each chimney receive a Level II inspection by a chimney sweep certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) www.csia.org, each time a residence is sold.
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