Pellet stoves are designed differently than wood stoves. They are made to have the heat concentration in the front, so they are allowed to be closer to side and rear walls depending on the model (anywhere from 1-4") . They also burn cleaner and more efficiently than wood, and create less ash. They have narrower flues (3") and can vent either vertical or horizontally.
This photo is of a newly repaired chimney crown. I noticed on this that there are a couple of issues with this repair. First of all the flue does not appear to extend up through the crown the required 4". Second the dorwn does not extend beyond the chimney itself to create a proper drip edge.
A firestop is a fire-protection method designed to reduce the chance for fire to spread through openings in a firewall. These openings are commonly found around pipes and wiring that penetrate the firewall. Firestops should be used between the garage and living spaces, attic and living spaces, and units with shared walls (condominiums). There are a few basic materials used for firestops which are firestop mortar, intumescent, firestop pillows, sheet metal, and fire rated sheetrock.
The article I read was concerning the hazards of a crawlspace. Crawlspaces can be a dangerous hazard to the inspector as well as a home owner. They are the perfect areas for many undesirable situations. Pests and rodents are drawn to these areas because they are cool and damp and easy to hide there. Other hazards are electric lines or boxes not properly fixed or covered, or raw sewage can be found as a result of a drainage pipe leak, these leaks can go a long period of time before they are discovered. So it is very important to decide first if it is safe to enter and if so make sure you have the correct PPE in place before you inspect.
Gas Vent Pipe
This picture shows that both the gas furnace and the gas water heater connectors are tying into the same Type L vent, which is terminating through the roof. The smaller water heater connector in above the larger furnace connector.
Wood Burning Stoves
A wood-burning stove is an inexpensive and practical way to heat a room or even a small house. We see the used quite a bit in our area and in smaller town and in hunting lodges. Dos and Donts of wood burning stoves:
DOs:
Use a grate to hold the logs so that they remain secured in the stove and the air can circulate adequately to keep the fire burning hot;
Keep the damper open while the stove is lit;
Dispose of ashes outdoors in a water-filled, metal container or in a large snow filled pit;
Have smoke alarm that is working properly; and
periodically remove the stovepipe between the stove and the chimney so that it can be inspected for creosote.
DONTs:
Burn coal. Coal burns significantly hotter than wood, posing a fire hazard;
Burn materials that will emit toxic chemicals, such as wood that has been pressure-treated or painted, colored paper, gift wrap, plastic, plywood, particleboard, or questionable wood from furniture;
Burn wet wood;
Burn combustible liquids, such as kerosene, gasoline, alcohol or lighter fluid;
Let small children play near a lit wood-burning stove.
Let the fire burn while the fire screen or door is open and unattended.
The exterior stair system with platform appears to be in serviceable
condition and well withing it’s serviceable life.
Tread and riser dimensions are consistent and within prevailing standards. Safety railing is strong, secure, with allowable spacing between pickets.
CONCERNS:
1 - There is no provision made for illumination found on the
exterior wall of the stair system. Further consultation with
a professional, state licensed, Electrical Contractor in
consideration of upgrading to conform with prevailing standards
is advised, prior to the close of escrow.
This photo shows a chimney installation or repairs that hasnt been made in an appropriate manner. The flashing presented leacking problems and instead of replacing them, the owner used a type of glue or sealant that might crack once it dries out.
I found following IRC minimum standards for the separation
of luminaries and combustible materials.
Clearances permitted by the 2009 IRC:
The minimum distance between luminaires installed in clothes closets and the nearest point of a storage area shall be as follows:
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Surface-mounted incandescent or LED luminaires with a completely enclosed light source shall be installed on a wall above the door or on the ceiling, provided that there is a minimum clearance of 12 inches (305 mm) between the fixture and the nearest point of a storage space.
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Surface-mounted fluorescent luminaires shall be installed on the wall above the door or on the ceiling, provided that there is a minimum clearance of 6 inches (152 mm).
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Recessed incandescent luminaires or LED luminaires with a completely enclosed light source shall be installed in the wall or the ceiling, provided that there is a minimum clearance of 6 inches (152 mm). A hazardous lighting situation!
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Recessed fluorescent luminaires shall be installed in the wall or on the ceiling, provided that there is a minimum clearance of 6 inches (152 mm) between the fixture and the nearest point of storage space.
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Surface-mounted fluorescent or LED luminaires shall be permitted to be installed within the storage space where identified within this use.
Also, metal pull chains may be dangerous; if the base cracks, the chain can become electrified.
It is important to realize that Inspecting a chimney is a is not just a decoration unit of a home. It is part of the house that can easily put in danger the whole structure, since the it works with actual fire and therefore it gets hot. It is important to check evertyng around it and the safe clearances.
The fireplace being inspected today was constructed in the mid 1950’s and this fireplace has seen some use. There is a vertical crack on the back of the firebox wall, it has missing pieces of the mortar and fire bricks. Upon further inspection on the exterior the crack is also on the exterior of the chimney. I advised client to consult a mason specializing in fireplaces for further evaluation of the fireplace.
Hello fellow inspectors, I’ve chosen fireplace inspection from the Internachi gallery based on the importance of a proper inspection because of the potential loss of life that may be involved. Performing a proper inspection will ultimately save a life. Proper inspection of air gaps, firebox,flues,spark screens and any combustibles to close to fireplace openings may save structures from possible fire and its occupants.
The attached fireplace is mine. I know that there should not be any combustibles within 3 feet of the fireplace, but when you are moving things around, or looking for some place to put things, that extension becomes a catchall. I have thought several times of putting this picture on my website for how a fire place should not look.
Being from a part of the world where Adobe building is not used anywhere, the name of this article had me thinking it would be about using Adobe software. I had forgotten about Adobe, or mud brick, building. It was interesting to see the photos of the buildings and cities built of Adobe. I the article brought up current building practices, but I am unsure if they are any better than when this style of building started. I would like to see some Adobe building at some point.
Above is a picture of a double flue brick and mortar chimney. The chimney appears to be in deteriorating condition. The chimney lacks appropriate flue caps on both flues. Chimney cap is cracked and in need of repair. Mortar joints have begun to fail and require re-pointing. Chimney Flashing appears to be separating and lacks appropriate counter flashing.
I read an article entitled “Basic Waterproofing for Basements.” Discussed in the article are the many ways to prevent water infiltration starting with the exterior water diversion systems, i.e. gutters as well as a proper grading away from the homes exterior. Perimeter drainage is also an effective method to divert excess ground water away from the foundation.
This is an image of a fireplace with some defects that need repairing. The fire bricks in the back of the fire chamber are lose with mortar missing.
This fireplace has a gas line that feeds fire logs or fire starter if the fire logs were removed. Where the gas line enters the chamber the chamber is not sealed and should be sealed around the gas line to prevent drafts in or out of the fire chamber.
The mantel above this fireplace is made of wood and has a clearance of six inches from the lintel. This defect should be corrected. The proper clearance
should be no less than twelve inches. Any less clearance will present a fire hazard.
All other visual inspection of this fireplace look good and the damper is in good working order.
I chose to study the article on asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral fiber that can be positively identified only with a special type of microscope. Asbestos can cause cancer and mesothelioma if fibers are inhaled. Most products today do not contain asbestos. Until the 1970’s asbestos was widely used in many building products for its insulation
properties. There are a long list of building materials and products that once used asbestos. Homes built from 1930 to 1950 may have used asbestos as insulation.
If work is done in homes containing asbestos not disturbing it is recommended. If it is in need of repair, sealing or removal contact your state or local health department or EPA for information or contact asbestos professionals.
Here we have a newer pellet stove manufactured by Piazetta. Condition is excellent and is on a large stone pad with greater than 16 inches on each side. Additionally the wall behind the unit has been covered in stone for further protection.
This is a picture of a fire extinguisher located in our office building. The extinguisher is located at the end of the hall next to the exit door. The type of extinguisher is identified as an ABC extinguisher and it’s tagged. The tag shows the date it was last serviced and the gauge is in the green which means it has good pressure.
