while working with a friend building a hunting cabin. there was a need for a attic pull down ladder. My friend installed the ladder himself. He wanted me to take a look,and sure enough there was the dry wall screws holding it in place. So I helped reinstall with lag bolts as required. Then we had to cut steps to length. After reading the instructions,we cut to length as required. He like a lot of others don’t read the instructions that come with the product.
Starting the second course. I find the note taking valuable. Would like to know if anyone has any other study suggestions…
The chimney flashing in the included photo is not installed and/or fitted correctly. There were visible gaps between the saddles and counter flashing components. Daylight was also observed from within the attic space which resulting in water leaking around the chimney each time it rained.
Because this flashing was starting to corrode I would recommend it be completely replaced. In the areas where I work many roofing companies try to reuse chimney flashing resulting in these sorts of problems.
This inspection was performed in substantial compliance with the International Standards for Performing a General Home Inspection. The inspection shall include examination of readily accessible and visible portions of solid fuel burning low heat fire places and chimneys. The inspection is not all-inclusive or technically exhaustive. The goal if this inspection is to provide observations which may lead to the decrease of hazards associated with fireplaces and chimneys.
• The inspector noted missing smoke detectors. A smoke detector should be installed in the same room as the fireplace.
• The inspector noted missing carbon-monoxide detectors. A carbon-monoxide detector should be installed in the same room as the fireplace.
Throughout my first year inspecting homes I have been surprised how little attention people pay to their fireplaces or wood stoves. Missing door gaskets, decayed or damaged firebricks, and completely corroded dampers are a common issue I note in my reports. People seem to assume that things will just continue to work and maintenance is not required. I always try to push the importance of having the chimney/flue cleaned, the damaged firebricks replaced, and damaged or missing dampers repaired.
Article: Writing Report Narratives
by Nick Gromicko and Kenton Shepard
The article emphasizes the need to describe the “big picture” of the defect or hazard in question. This brings to mind the old “Feature, Advantage, Benefit” or “FAB” style of selling – and in reality there is a relatively minor change in nomenclature to apply it to report writing.
FAB is structured as “Because of (FEATURE), you can/are able to (ADVANTAGE), which means to you (BENEFIT),” thus relating the physical/observable to a specific conclusion you want the buyer to draw from the analysis. From a report writing standpoint, Advantage and Benefit might be amended to Danger and Harm but the analogy holds. Using the flashing scenario in the article:
Because the flashing on the walkways (FEATURE) was improperly installed, serious widespread wood decay may occur (DANGER), potentially leading to the need to replace the walkway and stair structure (HARM). The flashing should be corrected by a qualified contractor.
When inspecting this chimney I noticed that the brick is crumbling in some places, and there is some cracked mortar. The chimney cap is crumbling and does not meet the minimum requirement of a 2" overhang. This will have to be noted, and recommend an evaluation by a licensed contractor.
The valleys where the cricket meets the roof is trapping debris and water, which can cause problems with the roof system. This will have to be noted, and recommend an evaluation by a licensed contractor.
This is a masonry wood burning fireplace. There are gaps and cracks at the sides that need to be sealed with a fireproof caulk or mortar. This will help prevent hot gases or embers from entering the wall cavity.
A vent free firebox (fire-place) this is a 32,000 BTU natural gas fireplace. The fireplace has a complete log installation with glowing amber and steel screens. All the refractory panels appear to be in good shape and having no visible damage. The hearth, header and sides appear to be adequate for the fireplace installation the fireplace was working at time of inspection and a smoke detector was visible in the same room as the fireplace.
Essay Exercise On Random Topic
While on one of my inspections, I encountered a Bidet, so decided to learn/write about it.
Bidets are normally found in European countries but are starting to become popular in the U.S. Most bidets are a plumbing fixtures that are for cleaning only. However some toilet manufactures are incorporating bidets in toilets. As a inspector it would probably be beyond the scope of a inspection to test the effectiveness of a bidet, but there are other things to be looked at. One is to check for a vacuum breaker at the top rear of the fixture. This would help to prevent cross connection, which is waste water entering and contaminating the water supply line. With bidets becoming more popular, inspectors should learn the basics so they can inform inquisitive clients.
The pictures below are of the base of a chimney, located in the basement of a home. They show the cement base on which the chimney sits, as well as, an old inlet with a cover installed. The inside revealed no flue liner nor was there a rain/spark arrestor installed, neither of which are recommended. This chimney was no longer used as a fireplace but was the vent for the furnace.
Fireplace essay
Fireplace and solid burning stoves can give off dangerous toxic fumes. They are designed to burn only one type of fuel. If the wrong fuel is burnt in the fireplace harmful vapors can enter the home making it a toxic environment and potentially damaging the fireplace, Chimneys can become lined with residue from inappropriate items which may lead to a dangerous chimney fire. By only burning the appropriate fuel for a stove or fire places you can save your family from minor irritation to a hazardous health threat.
Inspecting the chimney crown on the neighbors home. Observed missing chunks which will allow moisture to enter and create more damage to the chimney and flue liner. Also shouldn’t the flue liner extend out 4" above the crown?
Chimneys should be inspected on a regular basis especially in seismically active regions. Some defects to look for would be, loose or crumbling mortar, deteriorating footings of the base, and visible tilting. If a home owner decides to repair or rebuild their fireplace they should contact their local building department to obtain the necessary building permits. This is to ensure proper repair and/or construction of the old/new chimney.
For my research essay I choose expanded step flashing picture.
So as the chimney is built the step flashing and counter flashing are built into the chimney. To replace defective components of the flashing one would need to repoint that section of the chimney. With a qualified contractor to do the work. I have seen quite a few with the step flashing that is just placed next to the chimney and glued on with some kind of sealant and the counter flashing removed.
How to Inspect Fireplaces, Stoves, and Chimneys Course
I was not able to get take a picture of a fireplace system, so I downloaded a picture from the internet. In the attached picture you see that the crown has cracks going through it. I would recommend that the crown should be checked and repaired by a licensed contractor. The flue appears to be shorter than the required 4" above the crown and is also missing a cap. I would also recommend that this be inspected and repaired by a licensed contractor.
Fireplace Fuel
by Nick Gromicko
In order to prevent harmful vapors from venting into the living space, the owner should always use the proper fuel for the fireplace being used. Generaly speaking using soft woods to start your fire, such as spruce and pine, will get your fire going and preheat the fireplace and chimney. Hardwoods will provide a long lasting fire. Using painted, pressure treated, rotted and plywood should never be used in a fireplace.
This photo shows the damper in the fireplace, it appears to be functioning as it should. However, there is a lot of insects and generally dirty conditions. I would recommend that the entire flue be cleaned and evaluated by a qualified contractor.
While looking through the library I found an article on bank foreclosures. A lot of banks sell these properties as is and don’t disclose problems with them. In addition, some realtors may try to avoid having them inspected because the banks are not going to lower their asking price. Not only that but Inspections may uncover big issues and can kill the deal. Not having an inspection can cost these buyers a lot in the long run. Inspections are designed to alert the buyer of possible costly or unsafe conditions. Home Inspections should be performed regardless of the type of sale period.
This property has a wood burning fireplace, which was built as a pre-fabricated metal insert. The components and features surrounding the fireplace (hearth, mantle, combustibles) were within reasonable tolerances. However upon investigation of the firebox, the previous homeowner had utilized quite an interesting method of repairing the firebox damage. (See photos) The firebrick panels had experinced significant cracking and crumbling in the past, as was apparent by the large hole in the panel. This large hole was being stopped up with a wad of aluminum foil. The hole in the firebox panels is a defect well worthy of noting, and recomendation to not utilize the fireplace was explained to the potential buyer.
