Hi All, I’m having a great time conducting my research regarding the subject efflorescence. I will post what I’ve learned in a little bit.
Efflorescence is the white, yellow and sometimes brown chalky powder like mold stains that it usually might be found on the surface of the porous building materials in the exterior brick wall, which can be a cosmetic issue, or / not it can be an indication of moisture intrusion in exterior wall parts over ground. When efflorescence and spalling leads to capillary action with a theoretical limit of capillary rise of about 6 miles through strong osmotic pressures, which cause water intrusion and brick breaking in the exterior wall foundation. Both efflorescence and spalling can be prevented with capillary breaks during construction by installing a polyethylene sheeting and water proofing methodology under a concrete slab.
InterNACHI Inspectors should know the how capillary forces can cause structural damage to building materials and educate their clients about efflorescence and Hydrostatic conception of osmotic pressures that the potential problems it may cause. Furthermore, inspectors can give some beneficent to client to explain that expensive mold test can be avoided if the substance in question can be identified as efflorescence.
Chimneys are the heaviest and structurally vulnerable of all exterior components. To stay safe from potential failure one must inspect and maintain the chimney.
A few areas of concern are mortar joints, missing or poor lateral support and mechanical damage.
Chimneys should be inspected regularly for probability of collapse.
This image is shows a masonry chimney located in the living space of the dwelling. Fuel type is wood / gas log. Lintel shows to be in tact with no visual defects. The damper is in working condition and fully closes and opens at time of inspection. However, signs of creosote are visible and needs to be cleaned by a professional. Note: Before use of chimney and components, ,cleaning and further evaluation by a professional chimney specialist is recommended. Chimneys should be cleaned and evaluated no less than annually.
What I have learned during research is visual inspection of mortar joints is very important. Mortar joints are the strong hold of the exterior on the chimney and support system. Should there be any signs of separation or longated cracks this should be called as a defect. Safety concerns apply to all chimneys that are leaning or separated from the exterior structure. Special precaution Is recommended if this should this be found and further evaluated by a professional specializing in chimneys and structure of chimneys.
Poorly sealed flue from water heater. Water stains and flue on ceiling.A qualified contractor needs to seal with refractory cement to prevent carbon monoxide into home. Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas. T
I did my research on ceiling fans. Ceiling fans were first used in United States in the 1860s. It is a fan attached to the ceiling, and is used to circulate air in a occupied room for comfort. It is made up of the following parts.a electrical motor, fan blades, blade irons, safety cable, flywheel, ceiling mount downrod motor house and lamps.amd and should be support with electrical box listed for that use.
The chimney in this picture has a cracked crown or cap. It has been unprofessionally caulked. It is recommended that a certified mason/chimney professional evaluate and repair.
The chimney of the home had cap cracks filled with silicon. It is recommended that this condition have further evaluation and repair consultation by a qualified/licensed masonry professional.
rrich
(Robert Rich, washington State Home inpection lic# 1747)
3869
This picture shows a cracked cap that has been improperly fixed with caulking.
There is also spalling mortor between the bricks
You can also see that there is some minor deterioration of the bricks
This is an image of a fireplace that is no longer in service and the chimney has been sealed off. However, the hearth meets the minimum requirement of 16 inches. Also, the combustible material is more than six inches above the original fire place opening.
I have learned that pressure treated wood should not be burned. And that a 12’ long piece of 2x6 pressure treated wood can contain enough arsenic to kill 250 adults when it is burned.
I’ve also learned that plywood can release formaldehyde when it is burned.
Chimneys need there own foundation or support.
rrich
(Robert Rich, washington State Home inpection lic# 1747)
3874
this picture is of a chiminey. There is spalling between the bricks. You can also see that there is deteriation of the brick
Factory-built fire places have become common place in todays world. these are sometimes referred to as zero clearance because of their reduced clearance requirements. These often only require a half of an inch of clearance to combustible materials. If these products are properly installed they have an excellent safety record.
This is a natural gas fireplace. The front and back hearth are made of concrete and are 3 ½ inches thick. The hearth extension is 18 inches. The damper has been removed and the gas shut off is easily accessible. There are no smoke or carbon-monoxide detectors in the room.
Carbon monoxide detectors and poising
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas that forms from incomplete combustion of fuels. High concentrations can kill in less than 5 minutes. Any fuel-burning appliances which are malfunctioning or improperly installed can be a source of carbon monoxide. CO detectors must be placed strategically throughout the home or business in order to alert occupants of high levels of the gas.
Good morning Ben, The question I have is are we to advise clients about venting issues such as recommding that a chimney sweep inspect the flue of all chimney’s?
Even though fires places bring added charm, value and functionality to a home in my opinion the risk way outweighs the reward. Out of all the disasters that can plague a home fire is the most dangerous and hardest to repair, if repairable at all. Even with all the added safety precautions in place there is still room for a mishap or equipment failure that can have disastrous results. That being said as a home inspector, even after performing an inspection and not finding any defects I would without a doubt recommend a thorough inspection and cleaning by a specialist in the field. Since it is not in our SOP to perform an exhaustive inspection of a fireplace and chimney, I really feel that this component of a home need to have one done before use and subsequently every year after. Notice the creosote buildup in the picture below, creosote is highly flammable and deferred maintenance in your fireplace can have devastating effects.
How InterNACHI Calculates its Continuing Education Credit Hours
by Ben Gromicko, InterNACHI’s Director of Education
Research Essay:
Since I will be a InterNACHI home inspector very shortly I will need to keep current with the industry and keep learning, one of the ways this is achieved is by continuing education. I feel it is very important that this is a prerequisite to stay an InterNACHI member. I like the fact that they Cont. Ed. hours are calculated using a definable formula that can give a definite number of hours based on the work you put in. This eliminates the possibility of complaints that the hours one put in were unfairly calculated.
