Student discussions of "How to Inspect Fireplaces, Stoves, & Chimneys" course

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

Wood burning fireplace apon inspections of the fire box notice some missing fire bricks on the left and right side of the fire box could cause infiltration of beet to the back of the fire box and also notice some leaking around chimney and staining from previous water damage would recommend having both issues looked at by a qualified person that you could get to address both issues.

Research & Writing Assignment:

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Research & Writing Assignment:

in the gallery there is a picture two metal flues. a friend of mine installed these flues at 15"apart, and after 5 years he noticed noticable corrosion and damage in the higher flue. he contracted a chimney specialist and he was told to install at a minimum of 18".

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

These wires are open not connected to anything with no junction box. These wires are supposed to be in conduit. There is an A/C coolant line not connected to anything. There is a rain gutter draining directly on to open wire on the ground. I recommend a certified A/C person to be called.

Research & Writing Assignment:

Carpeted Bathrooms.
Even though it sounds strange to have carpet in the bathroom, there are still a few people who like it. Because of the comfort on bare feet. However, there are several disadvantages to having carpet in the bathroom. Since there is a constant moisture element in the bathroom, it invites bacteria and mold growth. You have water splashing from the shower, sink and even urine from the toilet sinking into the carpet! Yuk!
Mold spores can start to grow in the carpet and pad which can lead to mold spores being released into the air. This can lead to health problems. Carpet is not allowed in commercial buildings for these reasons. The better choice would be tile or vinyl flooring. The are even tile options that look like wood now which can be more desirable. In the event carpet is chosen you should make sure the ventilation is good with having a fan in the bathroom or keeping the window open when showering to prevent steam from building up. There are devises available to help keep water from splashing on to the floor at your local home improvement store.

Research & Writing Assignment:

I read the factory built fireplace article. It cited that about 75% of fireplaces installed now are factory built. A factory built fireplace is a firebox in a steel cabinet with a steel chimney or flue. A factory built fireplace can be installed with very low clearances to combustible material. Fireplace installation instructions must be referenced to determine the clearances that are specific to a given fireplace. The same safety precautions for masonry fireplaces apply to factory manufactured fireplaces.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

This fireplace has been inspected. Finding hairline cracks inside the panels. There is a hanging screen that can be closed and also an added free standing screen. This hearth has also been extended 18 inches passed the fireplace opening. I would also note that the stack of firewood is positioned all towards the front of the fireplace and it should be stacked near the back side.

Research & Writing Assignment:

I looked at the wood stove picture. I prefer wood stoves. I found it interesting to see the clearance involved. I did not realize the firestops in place at each floor or ceiling. Also i noted that for tall chimneys or vents, there should be a guy line to help support the stack or chimney.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

Real wood burning field stone fireplace. This fireplace is beautiful but not very efficient. There is no fans or any heat transfer into the room than somebody’s homemade heat ex-changer w 12volt fan that you can see in the picture on both sides of fire box. Without cleaning out the ashes in the fire box it is hard to get a good look at the fire box. operated damper and doors, all in working order. Also looked at flue needs to be cleaned, would strongly recommend full sweep. Plenty of room around fireplace and safe material design. There were a few objects laying on hearth that may need to move before having a fire.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

The Fireplace I am using is no longer use, but I will be treating it as if it were. I will be look to see if there are any combustible materials in close proximity. I will then look at the firebox to check for cracks with missing material. Check to make sure the damper will open and close properly. Then check the flute to ensure it is not corroded, it is not clogged and there is no creosote. I would let the client know that wood decorative frame and pillars are too close to the opening. And could cause a hazard.

Research & Writing Assignment:

Fireplace fuel. Fire place fuel should consist: of hard wood like oak, ash, hickory, birch and maple. All wood should be seasoned to 20% or less moisture. Don’t burn wet or moldy wood will lead to creosote build up and a potential fire hazard. Also don’t use your fireplace as a dumpster burner burning a verity of building materials a plastics that can cause toxic gases to leach into the living area making people sick. Burning the right kind of fuel will keep your flues clean and your fireplace operating smoothly!

Research & Writing Assignment:

When inspecting a chimney its key to check for signs of collapse. A collapse of a chimney could cause a lot damage to the house, any items near it, and/or injury. To check for this, look at the footer of the chimney. Ensure it is wide enough, and not deteriorated. Check the mortar in between the bricks of the chimney to make its not crumbling. Then check to make sure the lateral strips are there. And that its not starting to separate from the wall.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

this is a image of a downspout that is missing an extension that needs to be attached to be able to direct water away from the foundation properly. Not having direct extensions that direct water away from the foundation can lead to water intrusion and other serious damage that can be avoided best as possible.

Research & Writing Assignment:

this essay is on smoke alarm inspections. In 2003 to 2006 two thirds of fire/ smoke related deaths were because of none working smoke alarms. 60% of these deaths were from the power supply deliberately removed because of false alarms. A smoke alarm should be installed in every sleeping area and one outside of the vicinity of that sleeping area. Along with one in the basement, garage, and every level of the home or building.

Research & Writing Assignment:

Before reading “H-Clips for Inspectors” I though they were used only for spacing. I learned that they fit snugly between wood panels in order to provide them with edge support. They are often used with roof sheathing to keep it from feeling spongy or soft at its edges.
Cool Robert

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

this is a picture of a fire stove insert, the hearth measured under sixteen inches which will need to be brought to the homeowners attention, the burn marks on the carpet also indicate this can be be a fire hazard.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

A chimney should be properly flashed at all slides. An apron flashing should be in the front and the other sides should have step and counter flashings to prevent water intrusion. if the chimney is wide enough it needs a cricket.

Research & Writing Assignment:

Combustibles should be stored at least 3 feet away from the fireplace. The damper should be operating properly to facilitate the exhaust of the combustoion gases. Any cracks in the fire box or creosote in the flue should be recommended to be cleaned by a professional.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

This is an image of a chimney that is severely defective. There chimney is missing a crown. It has been bricked all the way up to the flue is inadequate space clearance for the flue. Also the chimneys mortar is cracking and in need of repointing.

Research & Writing Assignment:

Chimneys are among the heaviest and most structurally vulnerable of all exterior components of a building. Accidents caused by their collapse can lead to death. A collapse can also cause costly structural damage to the building and its surroundings. Inspection, maintenance and preparedness are critical safeguards against chimney collapse.