Great material as always, lots of informative content
Should a home inspection check for the presence of an extinguisher?
Starting this today. Will come back if I have questions.
well well starting this class getting ready for santa 
I agree, that is something I’ve observed through this whole process. Much of inspection can be intimidating, these courses have done a good job of giving real world examples of what one might encounter in the field!
Hey everyone,
Starting the chimney course reminded me of an unusual inspection that I attended as an assistant to a CMI. With over 1,200 inspections, he’d never seen anything like this, so I wanted to ask for your opinions.
Here’s what happened:
- We turned on the fireplace.
- Checked that it worked.
- Turned off the fireplace (or so we thought. there was no indication that it was on).
- Five minutes later, there was a loud pop noise.
- We both returned to the living room.
- The dust from behind the decorative fireplace had come forward to the protective screen near the glass cover. The clients were grateful but someone who was renting the place was a little shaken up.
We later found out that the homeowners don’t turn it on due to some condition. To be safe, Tom, the CMI on the inspection, turned off the gas outside. We notified both agents.
It would have been nice to know that before we attended the inspection, right?
What is the worst thing that has happened to you regarding gas and/or fireplaces? Can anyone elaborate on why the pop noise was so loud and how we can be certain to prevent this in the future?
A member just sent in a great essay response! Check it out:
View Question
Research & Writing Essay Instructions
This research and writing assignment may take four hours.
In relation to this inspection and writing assignment:
- Choose one inspection article from the Library of Inspection Articles or choose one illustration from the Illustration Gallery that directly relates to a chimney stack, a fireplace, a vent pipe or vent connection or vent termination, or a fire extinguisher.
- Research and study the article or illustration.
- In the box below titled “Your Essay," write an essay that describes what you’ve learned from reading and studying the article or illustration.
- Upload and submit an inspection image or the chosen illustration along with the essay.
Your essay must meet the following criteria:
- It must be written in English.
- It must be at least 80 words in length.
- It must be written at a minimum 4th-grade level.
- It must sufficiently comment upon the chosen article or illustration related to this course's main topics.
- It must include an inspection image.
This research and writing assignment is very similar to what a home inspector does during a home inspection--researching and studying inspection images and illustrations, studying and referring to and applying a Standards of Practice, taking inspection images, making observations, describing components, determining the condition of those components, formulating opinions, making recommendations to correct (if needed), proposing the implication of not making corrections to a defect (if observed), writing notes, and communicating observations in written form.
Please continue with the course after submitting your essay. If the essay does not meet the criteria, you'll be notified by email to rewrite the essay.
One of the heaviest and most vulnerable structural components of a building is the chimney. That is why in seismically active areas it is very important to do a periodic inspection of the chimney. Chimneys need to be inspected for these defects: Crumbling, deteriorating mortar between the bricks or stone. Missing or insufficient lateral support to the outside structure. Any mechanical damage from outside forces. Visible learning of the chimney creating gabs between the chimney and the structure. The chimney footing should be inspected as well for insufficient base support, any footing deterioration due to weather or poor-quality construction, and settling from poor soil and soil erosion. If an inspector or homeowner is concerned about the stability of the chimney further precautions can be taken to address these concerns. Create a barrier between the falling masonry and the roof by attaching plywood panels to the roof or above the ceiling joist. Strengthen the chimney by repairing any weak areas. If repairing the chimney is not sufficient, tearing down and replacing the chimney is an option. For the safety of the occupants, especially in seismically active areas, relocating children play areas, patios, and parking areas away from a damaged chimney is wise. In addition to outside hazards and concerns there are internal risks as well. Cracks and openings in the chimney components can present a risk of sparks or smoke entering the living space of the building. A periodic inspection of the chimney, especially in seismically active areas, should be conducted periodically to ensure the safety and health of the occupants.
A member just sent in a great essay response! Check it out:
View Question
To successfully complete this course, you must write two essays.
This course page contains instructions for the first essay, which involves performing a home inspection, taking inspection images, using checklists, and writing a report.
This assignment may take 8 hours to complete.
The second essay is described on the next course page.
In relation to this inspection and writing assignment:
- INSPECTION. Perform a visual-only inspection according to the Home Inspection Standards of Practice. Inspect a system or component that was covered in the course and is directly related to a chimney stack, a fireplace, a vent pipe or vent connection or termination, or a fire extinguisher.
- IMAGES: During the inspection, take several inspection images of that system or component. Use your phone, mobile device, or digital camera. It can either be in good condition or have a defect.
- OBSERVATIONS: Make observations and take notes while inspecting. Use the InterNACHI® Home Inspection Standards of Practice to guide your inspection. Use your own inspection software or InterNACHI's inspection checklist.
- ESSAY: Write and submit an essay describing your observations and the inspection images. Upload an inspection image along with the essay.
For example, you may inspect a fireplace hearth, a type B vent pipe on the roof, or a fire extinguisher in the kitchen. Take several inspection images while performing the inspection. Make observations. Take a lot of notes. Then, prepare to communicate your observations in written form. This will be your essay.
This inspection and writing assignment is very similar to what a home inspector does during a home inspection--performing an inspection, studying and referring to and applying a Standards of Practice, taking inspection images, making observations, describing components, determining the condition of those components, formulating opinions, making recommendations to correct (if needed), proposing the implication of not making corrections to a defect (if observed), writing notes, and communicating observations in written form.
Your essay must meet the following criteria:
- It must be written in English.
- It must be at least 80 words in length.
- It must be written at a minimum 4th-grade level.
- It must sufficiently comment upon the system or component inspected.
- It must be submitted with an inspection image.
You will submit your essay in the box titled “Your Essay.” You will also upload your inspection image. Once you submit your essay, staff will review and mark it.
Please continue with the course after submitting your essay. If the essay does not meet the criteria, you'll be notified by email to rewrite the essay.
A dirty chimney with creosote buildup is a serious fire hazard. Creosote is a flammable, tar-like substance that forms when wood smoke cools and condenses in the chimney. Over time, it can accumulate, creating a thick layer that restricts airflow and increases the risk of a chimney fire. Regular cleaning and inspection are essential to remove creosote buildup and ensure safe operation of your fireplace or wood stove. Neglecting this can lead to dangerous blockages, reduced heating efficiency, and the potential for a costly or destructive fire.
A member just sent in a great essay response! Check it out:
View Question
To successfully complete this course, you must write two essays.
This course page contains instructions for the first essay, which involves performing a home inspection, taking inspection images, using checklists, and writing a report.
This assignment may take 8 hours to complete.
The second essay is described on the next course page.
In relation to this inspection and writing assignment:
- INSPECTION. Perform a visual-only inspection according to the Home Inspection Standards of Practice. Inspect a system or component that was covered in the course and is directly related to a chimney stack, a fireplace, a vent pipe or vent connection or termination, or a fire extinguisher.
- IMAGES: During the inspection, take several inspection images of that system or component. Use your phone, mobile device, or digital camera. It can either be in good condition or have a defect.
- OBSERVATIONS: Make observations and take notes while inspecting. Use the InterNACHI® Home Inspection Standards of Practice to guide your inspection. Use your own inspection software or InterNACHI's inspection checklist.
- ESSAY: Write and submit an essay describing your observations and the inspection images. Upload an inspection image along with the essay.
For example, you may inspect a fireplace hearth, a type B vent pipe on the roof, or a fire extinguisher in the kitchen. Take several inspection images while performing the inspection. Make observations. Take a lot of notes. Then, prepare to communicate your observations in written form. This will be your essay.
This inspection and writing assignment is very similar to what a home inspector does during a home inspection--performing an inspection, studying and referring to and applying a Standards of Practice, taking inspection images, making observations, describing components, determining the condition of those components, formulating opinions, making recommendations to correct (if needed), proposing the implication of not making corrections to a defect (if observed), writing notes, and communicating observations in written form.
Your essay must meet the following criteria:
- It must be written in English.
- It must be at least 80 words in length.
- It must be written at a minimum 4th-grade level.
- It must sufficiently comment upon the system or component inspected.
- It must be submitted with an inspection image.
You will submit your essay in the box titled “Your Essay.” You will also upload your inspection image. Once you submit your essay, staff will review and mark it.
Please continue with the course after submitting your essay. If the essay does not meet the criteria, you'll be notified by email to rewrite the essay.
The condition of the wood burning fireplace is in an unsafe condition. The firebricks located on the interior of the firebox have fallen and deteriorated. Active water leakage is present due to lack of rain-guard and heavy cracking located on the masonry chimney crown. Heavy settling has occurred on this fireplace and chimney, resulting in the chimney falling away from the home, with risk of collapse. This fireplace and chimney is advised to be assessed by a qualified professional to determine the extent of the issues and any corrective measures. This is advised to take place prior to the close of escrow. **DO NOT ATTEMPT TO USE THIS FIREPLACE**
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Moving along enjoying the CPI courses!
I have a question regarding chapter 9 of the How to Inspect Fireplaces, Stoves, and Chimneys Course. In one of the sections it states:
“The inspector should inspect for single-wall metal chimneys in one- and two-family dwellings. Single-wall metal chimneys should not be used in one- and two-family dwellings.”
The next two sections after this are titled “Interior Single Wall Metal Chimneys” and “Exterior Single Wall Metal Chimneys” that both explain the specific distances or clearances from certain materials that the inspector is to inspect.
Am I overthinking this or not understanding properly?
Thank you in advance!
I came here for this same question. Doesn’t look like anyone answered you… 
Going through the course to complete my pre-licensing training. Currently a WETT inspector. Noticed some of the information provided in the course are not up to date. Chapter 8 for efficiency and Air Pollutants.
EPA standards changed in 2020 as well as CSA standards in Canada.
Emmisions rate was lowered for all wood-heating appliances down to 2.5 grams per hour for cord wood, or 2.0 for crib wood. 2.0g per hour for Pellet stoves.
In Canada the standard is still 4.5g per hour according to the CSA B415.1-10 except in Quebec.
Just think it’s pertinent to update this info for anyone that is not up to date on the changes.
The “International Phase I Standards of Practice” in Chapter 10 states “The inspector should inspect for linings that don’t extend the entire length of the chimney to a level of 2 inches or more above the crown, splay or wash.”
The “Flues and Liners” section of Chapter 9 states “The inspector should inspect for linings that don’t extend the entire length of the chimney to a level of 4 inches or more above the masonry cap (crown, splay or wash).”
Which is correct?
Im starting this course today, I have previously subbed out chimney & fireplace work. Im excited to learn more about them for myself instead of relying on a sub!
I watched the video on Fireplace Inspection with Mike and Nick. On the video the fireplace did not have a damper clip. One of then said " the fireplace should not be used as a solid wood burning appliance until it’s repaired. “As a gas log assembly, essentially it’s fine” to use the fireplace. I thought if a fireplace damper did not have a clip, you should NOT use the gas as it can seep into the interior of the house if the damper is closed without a clip. Can someone explain this to me?
Hi, @adiehl2. You’re correct. It was not clear enough. So we just added some content to make things more clear. Thank you for helping us keep our curriculum the best.
Visit InterNACHI® - International Association of Certified Home Inspectors for the updated content.
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Hi Vince,
Currently, there isn’t a requirement for residential home to have them. Commercial, on the other hand, buildings are required to have them. Personally, I have them everywhere in my home.
I do check to see if extinguishers are charged and within the inspection date. I put this info into my report but also state that it’s not a required item.
For the exam There was a question “Type ____ vents can not be used to vent coal- and wood-fired appliances.” The 2 options were “Type B” and “Type L”. To my knowledge and from what I learned in the coarse, neither are able to be used with coal/wood. I put “type B” and got the question wrong… I think this is a mistake. In Chapter 4 it states “[Type B] may not be used with any of the following appliances: wood-burning appliances, such as fireplaces and wood-burning stoves;… coal-fired equipment; any appliance that burns anything other than liquid petroleum or natural gas”. I’m not sure why I got this question wrong.