The use of step flashing in it’s proper intention and application in the field has proven to be a challenge to roofers, and is minimally reviewed by city inspectors in our municipality. The combination of roof design slopes, shapes, and chimney penetrations leads to a multitude of opinions, as to the proper applications of flashing and how to effectively apply.
The step flashing detail in the how to inspect fireplaces course, is clear and accurate to deflect water away from the chimney penetration through the roof system.
A common defect found on a large percantage of homes with chimney’s in Florida is past or present leakage at this location.
Attached are pictures of the pre-fab fireplace. It is a ventless fireplace using propane. It was not put together properly as per the instructions and was giving off an odor. The homeowner had also put the glowing embers in the fireplace which could have been causing the odor. Once both items were corrected, no odor was present and a carbon monoxide detector was recommended to be installed.
I read about Chimney inspection article. Chimney collapse has caused serious injury and even death when they fall due to lack of care/repair or seismic activity. When you inspect chimney’s you are looking for mortar between bricks that are crumbling or chip off when poked with a screwdriver. Missing lateral support, damage from trees, visible tilting or leaning from the building and footing defects such as an undersized footing, deteriorated footing, or poor soil below the footing. Safety first when inspecting so if you see an unsafe condition, let the homeowner know to move kids play areas away from the chimney, cover the above area with plywood, or section off the area until a licensed person can repair and further evaluate it.
This component is a forced air heating unit in my home. At the bottom is the pilot less valve and the blower assembly above. The system is in good operating order. The outside needs cleaning and the filter should be replaced seasonally.
InterNACHI Inspection of Fireplaces, Stoves, and Chimneys Course
SHORT ESSAY RE: INSPECTION OF A FURNACE VENT
Gabriel Arcuri
1/13/2017
I inspected the vent system of a furnace and water heater. This system does not require a chimney or a vent through the roof. It is a high efficiency system that only vents damp air. The picture shows a PVC pipe pitched to flow back into the system going horizontally out the exterior wall. The second picture shows the vent caps. The lack of a chimney or B vent is not a defect.
This essay with cover the topic of appropriate fuels to burn in fire places and wood burning stoves. Although these are both designed to burn wood for fuel, they can be dangerous if misused. Dried seasoned wood with a moisture content of less than 20% is the idea fuel to be used in fire places and wood burning stoves. Pallets may also be used but not ones with the MB stamped on them. These pallets contain Methyl Bromide a moisture retardant that when burned can produce toxic gases… Also not to be burned in fire places are coal, flammable liquids, wood with paint on it, plywood, particle board, beach wood( the salt can damage components), trash, and wood containing mold. Fresh cut wood should also be avoided, it produces much moor smoke and water vapor and less heat than seasoned wood.
InterNACHI Inspection of Fireplaces, Stoves, and Chimneys Course
SHORT ESSAY RE: Library Article, Preventing Chimney Collapse
Gabriel Arcuri
1/13/2017
I read the article on preventing chimney collapse. Chimneys are heavy and vulnerable to the elements, earthquake, and many other issues. They should be inspected for missing or soft mortar, proper lateral support, mechanical damage, and footing defects. Cracks that don’t threaten collapse can still effect the operation of a fireplace, as the living space can be at risk of smoke and sparks. The article also described several homeowner do’s and don’ts. The discussion on inspection of footers, may be useful as information but in an inspection footings are generally hard to see.
Fire places and chimney’s essay.
Photo from a rental property. There are two major issues at work here. First, The exhaust vent on the almost new water heater is 3 inch diameter. But does not meet the required rise to run specs. It actually vents slightly downward before venting into the chimney. Second, The furnace, located on the other side of the brick wall also vents into the same chimney. 4 inch exhaust vent. And it enters the chimney about 6 inches ABOVE the water heater exhaust. This would need to be noted in any inspection report.
The interior of the fireplace was inspected per standard. During the course of the inspection the damper was found to be operational. This unit is without an ash pit but there is a log rack in place. The bricks / masonry within the firebox is cracks and displaced. The flue is also dirty. I recommend a professional cleaning and thorough inspection prior to use.
The picture i chose is of a Chimney Cricket. So this cricket looks great. was done professionally. There is one major defect, if does not appear to have a flashing. An inspector would not have to remove plastic cement to find a flashing. However, an inspector should report it as a defect to the chimney for being no visible chimney flashing.
Here is an example of a limitation I incurred during a mock inspection. I inspected what was visible, and made sure my report included the following notation: Limited inspection. I was unable to fully inspect the attic space due to excess clutter. See picture.
Most house fires are preventable with a little planning. Such as planning how you would escape in the event of a fire, and smoking outside (if you’re a smoker). Make sure you have smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, and test them yearly. And keep a small, multipurpose fire extinguisher readily available.
The following is brief inspection of a wood burning fireplace, hearth and components. There is a fabricated insert. Upon initial inspection, shown in the photo is some cracking and gaps in the mortar joints for the back wall material in the hearth. It is made up of fire brick. Material surrounding the fireplace is safely outside of a 3 foot perimeter. The damper is fully operational. No clean out doors.
I took a look and researched wood stoves. They need to be seated on a non-combustable material such as brick, slate or metal. The interior chimney must be beyond 18" of any combustable wall or ceiling surface. Outside there should be a rain cap to divert water away. Also a flashing cone to prevent water from intruding into the roof line.
Photo of three inch pvc for exhaust and intake for combustion air.Both are more than twelve inches from ground level meeting manufacturers minimum.The exhaust line has a quarter inch per foot rise for exhausting and condensing.Caulking is recommended to seal around pipes penetrating the wall.
ESSAY:Read article CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING AND DETECTORS.Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless and poisonous.There were 480 U.S. residents that died from carbon monoxide poisoning between 2001 and 2003 most occurring in the winter.Any fuel burning appliance can be a source of carbon monoxide.Proper installation and maintenance of appliances are important.Also installation of CO detectors are important and required in many jurisdictions.They should be installed in such places like rooms with fireplaces and fuel burning appliances to name few.
The uploaded photo demonstrates almost the exact condition that Mike and Nick discuss within the course’s video. The fireplace was reportedly converted from a standard solid fuel (wood) burning unit to a gas unit. The gas line penetration has not been sealed, which could allow the oxygen starved fire to “look” for oxygen into and through the opening starting any combustible material that may be present on fire. Report this as a defect and recommend that a competent, qualified contractor be consulted for necessary repairs.
Blowers around this fireplace are very loud and are in need of repairs. There is creosote deposits on the front bricks which represents spill over from the hearth. Safety concern. Front of the hearth is too short , should be at least 16 inches. Recommend flue and fireplace cleaning and inspection by a qualified professional.
The gallery illustration I chose was “Fireplace and Chimney Components”. I feel this is an important illustration for all beginning inspectors to understand as they progress through this course, and obviously as they begin inspecting homes. This image has come in handy for me in explaining and inspection comments to clients (and realtors), as there are many homeowners that need education, or refreshers on use and maintenance of fireplaces.
