Fireplace Fuel - Fireplaces were designed to burn cut and dry firewood from hardwoods and softwoods. If a fireplace is used as an all purpose incinerator you run the risk of releasing harmful contaminants into your home. Painted wood should also not be burned as it contains metals that can cause serious respiratory issues.
Chimneys are common up north but in Florida they are seen too. It is very important to inspect and maintain the chimneys because they are structurally vulnerable due to size, weight, foot print, etc. and can be affected by high winds, seismic activity, wear and tear.
Yep. In January of 2018, snow and freezing rain was all over the Florida Panhandle.
This chimney appears to have the appropriate counter flashing that is installed in the mortar joints of the chimney as well as the apron flashing down slope side. Further inspection would need to be made to determine if there is step flashing underneath the counter flashing. This roof has significant moss issues which might make it unsafe to walk.
I researched the article on Radiant Floor Heat and was pleased to learn about the many benefits. As opposed to heating air, radiant heat radiates from the floor (through tubes) and is significantly more efficient. The systems are relatively low maintenance, don’t move allergens around the house, are quiet, and don’t require duct work which can be both unsightly and be a significant source of energy loss.
Chimneys are tall and very heavy structures. A properly built and fasten chimney can provide years of use if properly maintained. However if the chimney is neglected and not maintained could present a major hazard to the home owners and anyone in it’s vicinity should there be a collapse. You should monitor the chimney for plumb, making sure it hasn’t pulled away from the home. Checking for cracks and signs of settling. Problems can be with soil settlement, damage from storms, and trees. After a major storm such as a hurricane it’s important to have the structure inspected to make sure it is safe.
The chimney damper is located above the fire box. You keep the damper open when have a fire going to the smoke can exit the chimney instead of filling your living room with smoke. You close the damper once the fire is completely out to seal your fireplace so that air cant escape up the chimeny.
I learned that there are many types of fire extinguishers. There are different classes for different types of fires. An example would be a class k extinguisher, that is used in commercial areas like kitchens. They are best for grease fires and similar fires.
After studying the photo in the chimney section regarding flat roof and clearance, I can see that the same 3-2-10 rule the applies to pitched roofs applies to flat roofs. This photo also provided some insight as to how the 3-2-10 Rule applies and is used on a flat roof.
This stone veneer chimney is lacking a proper crown, which should extend 2 inches past the edge of the chimney and have a formed drip edge. the flashing appears to be mostly correct, but has a bent counterflashing and is rusting and needs maintenance to maintain it’s usefulness.
A pellet stove is unlike many other solid fuel appliances, one difference is that there is no hearth depth requirement, just a requirement to sit on an approved non-flammable base. Each unit may have it’s own installation limitations, look for a placard on the rear of the unit for clearances. Venting is also atypical in that a 3’ vent may be the proper size, but as with a prefab fireplace, ALL aspects must be approved.
In the diagram “chimney deterioration due to condensation”, I am reminded of a common issue here in rural Colorado. Lack of building codes have contributed to this. Hint: get a really powerful hand light for Inspections and keep it handy.
This photo exhibits a gas log fireplace in operation. The flame appearance looks to be proper and functioning as should be. It should be noted that there is a paper “booklet” stored in close proximity behind the stove and should be removed.
This fireplace is a manufacture wood burning unit, it has both glass doors and a fire screen. The interior fire box has no cracks or openings, the smoke plate is intact and the damper is operational from inside the box. The exterior hearth is 20" from face and extends more then 12" beyond each side. This unit is equipped with a gas valve on the left side for future gas logs or a log starter. The unit also has outside combustion air and a recycling fan for heat on a separate switch.
On the subject of window security bars i believe that any form of bars in a egress situation should be written up as a Safety issue.Any window or door obstuction takes precious time in a most likely panic situation could cost serious injury or loss of life.
This basement has a ventless fireplace. It is a fireplace fueled by gas, propane, or ethanol and have no vents. So they draw combustion air from the room they are in and release toxic combustion byproducts (like carbon monoxide) and moisture vapor (which increases humidity) back into the space in which they are located. Due to safety, health, and moisture concerns, some building scientists recommend that unvented appliances never be installed in homes. It is recommended to install a CO detector in the same and next room for safety reasons.
Ventless fireplaces are a type of residential gas-heating device. They are preferred because they burn at nearly 100% efficiency and their installation is not restricted by architectural constraints. Traditional fireplaces, by contrast, are equipped with a flue that vents to the outdoors, reducing the exposure to carbon monoxide and airborne particulates. Another problem is they create high levels of water vapor, which increases humidity and can lead to mold growth and other moisture-related problems. Massachusetts, California, and a number of other states in the US., as well as Canada and other countries, have outlawed ventless gas fireplaces due to safety concerns.
Efflorescence refers to salt deposits found on concrete and masonry surfaces when water has seeped through the concrete, brick, or stone. The water evaporates, leaving behind salt deposits that look like white mold. Unlike mold, efflorescence is easy to remove and it doesnt cause any health problems.
Bat house inspections? yes those mammals are loosing their habitat to deforestation and new construction. The bats need specific parameters to live. This includes 3/4 inch to 1 inch opening, to keep predators out, and 3 inches wide. The structure should have screw construction and caulked to remain dry. Checked yearly for wasps and worn out parts.
This fireplace opening may be greater than 6 square feet. It may not have adequate spacing of the hearth extension. It should be measured to verify that it meets safety standards of 16 inches, or if it is larger than 6 square feet, 20 inches. It appears that the fireplace was built of brick and then the stone surround was added on afterwards. The mortar joints between the old brick and newer stone should be inspected to verify a good seal. It is hard to know what might be behind the stone, but it could be flammable and any breech in the mortar of the surround could cause a fire in the wall.
