Proper flashing around the chimney is very important to ensure water intrusion is avoided. Head flashing, step flashing, apron flashing and counter flashing are all necessary parts to a properly sealed chimney. Ensuring these parts are installed properly and not damaged or missing is imperative in the inspection report.
This is a fireplace that has been used for gas heat. It is now disconnected and insulation has been shoved up the chimney. There is normal wear and tear on the clay panels, but a small amount of material has worn away in the rear over which a metal plate has been placed. The insulation should be replaced with fire safe sealing material, or a functioning damper or glass plate in front of the unit.
I analyzed an image named “wires and cables installed through studs,” it made clear that holes drilled through studs for woring must be dtilled at least 1.25 inches from theedge of the stud. If this is not done, then a metal plate must be installedon the wll over the stud at the point where the hole is drilled in order to prevent the wires from being damaged by drywall screws.
I read a ventless fireplace article. I understand there is a carbon monoxide danger associated with these appliances that can be tested for by us inspectors with a device available to purchase. It is recommended that a window is open while these are in use and they shouldn’t be in use for more than 4 hours at a time. Interesting was the fact they give off water vapor that can cause additional damage to a home. Lastly, these are outlawed in a number of places due to the danger of them.
This fireplace appears to have a solid firebox without any defects or cracks. The hearth appears to be extended properly, but should measure at least 16". The decorative pinecones could be a fire hazard and I’d recommend that those are moved to a distance of 3’ or more. Closing the wire screen while in progress would also be recommended to prevent a house fire.
this picture is of a clay chimney liner. it is cracked and needs to be replaced before another fire is lit in the fireplace. With the damage that is visible any fire that is lit will add to the damage done to the brick already.
Chimney inspection: preventing a collapse. Inspecting chimneys is an important part of any home inspection. Collapsing chimneys pose a big threat to injury home owners, and also significant damage to homes. Be aware of any cracking in the chimney and any crumbling of the mortar. look for chimney supports and straps, any visible damage from falling limbs or construction equipment. If in an earthquake prone area it is vital that this inspection is done thoroughly.
This fireplace wasn’t able to be fully inspected. The firebox still had ashes and firewood in it. I examined the flue and there is no damper on this fireplace. The hearth and lintel are in good condition. No signs of creosote build up on visible parts of firebox and flue.
Backfill on the foundation of your home is an integral part of whole house not sagging or causing cracks in the slab or finished drywall. Sidewalks around your home can lose their backfill and need to have extra dirt brought back around them to keep them from shifting or losing their base layer.
This fireplace is not being used, it has been discontinued. However the chimney is still being used, the furnace is being exhausted through the fireplace chimney. The chimney and flue will have to be inspected and included in my I spection report.
Pictured is a mounted fire extinguisher located under the kitchen sink. It is a type B and C extinguisher, meaning it is rated for liquids and electrical equipment. This is a good extinguisher to have in a kitchen since it is rated for cooking liquids and oils.
Of the 403,000 house fires in 2008, most were preventable. The National Fire Protection Association promotes 8 tips to prevent/survive fires. Plan and practice your escape, plan your escape around your abilities, smoke alarms save lives, give space heaters space, smoke outside, be kitchen-wise, stop-drop-and roll, and know your local emergency number.
Photo of a brick and mortar fire place. The fire box was clear and the flue was operational at the time of inspection. Recommended to have chimney sweeped prior to use and schedule cleaning before each season. This will ensure hazards are removed prior to starting fire.
A lintel should be made of noncombustible materials, and is located directly over the fireplace. The lintel must extend at least 4 inches beyond each corner of the firebox. The lintel supports the masonry above the fireplace. The intersection of the firebox and smoke chamber, called the throat, must start 8 inches above the top of the fireplace.
In order to properly divert rainwater away from the chimney and off of the roof, any chimney structure more than 30" wide, on the sloped portions of the roof surface shall have installed a cricket. A cricket is triangular and promotes drainage and discourages ponding
Inspection revealed cracking on the chimney crown. These cracks can allow rain water to enter the chimney, which over time can cause issues. It appears that the seller has installed a new rain cap.
Recommend having a qualified specialist evaluate the chimney and make any needed repairs.
How to become an approved 203(k) consultant. 1. must have a minimum of 3 years experience. 2. Education. 3. State Licensing in states that require a license. 4. A description of your ability to perform home inspections.5. Also submit proof of certification verifying that you have read and understand the HUD Handbook and the materials in the Mortgagee Letter.
A sealed gas fireplace can be useful, safe and efficient in a home. They use a vent from outside to provide combustion air, so they do not consume Oxygen from the home, and they reduce the possibility of backdrafts from the unit when there is too high negative pressure in the building from dryers, vent hoods and bath fans. They are about 80% efficient combustion so they are relatively inexpensive to operate, and since they do not need electricity to run they can work during power outages.
Chimney flashing
Chimneys extending through the roof need to protect from allowing water penetrating the building. This can result in mold and mildew and rot issues as well as ruining insulation. The flashing on bricks must have step flashing between the shingles and additionally the bricks must have counter flashing built in to the mortar then covering the step flashing to prevent intrusion of water between them.
This is a picture from a inspection of a 20 year old home that the attic had limited access and was never inspected. The fireplace chimney was never completed during original construction. The front side chimney bricks/blocks are leaning/sagging. The chimney had openings into the attic. Lucky for the homeowner/seller they never used the fireplace. The fireplace was rebuilt after the home inspection. Great lesson if you cannot inspect a area make sure you note the limitation in your report.
