Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is an image of a firebox that has seen lots of use. The brick and mortar are in serviceable condition. The rear of the firebox is slanted appropriately inward to direct heat back into the room and draw smoke up and out. Some efflorescence is noted towards the bottom center indicating probable moisture issues.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Chimneys require four flashings in order to prevent water intrusion. Head flashing is installed at the highest point where the chimney meets the roof. Step and counter flashing is used in conjunction down each side with a sealant. And finally apron flashing is used at the lowest point. These four flashings work together to direct water around the chimney.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
In the attached photograph we can see a masonry chimney located at a house that was built circa 1890. This chimney is used to vent a natural gas fired furnace and water heater. This chimney has areas of damaged mortar, damaged cap, and there is no visible liner / the liner does not extend at least 4" above the cap. These defects should be assessed and the necessary repairs should be made by a qualified professional.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a wood burning fireplace is located in the main living room area. Walls are all intact with no cracking or holes. Fireplace is missing the Damper. Gold Home Inspections, LLC recommends the client contact a professional chimney sweep/repair company for replacement Damper. A Damper is necessary for controlling the draft in the flume.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Chimneys are among the heaviest and most structurally vulnerable on the exterior of a home. Wind and other elements can cause an already weak chimney to collapse. During major earthquakes chimneys collapse by the hundreds. It is more vital following an earthquake that chimneys be inspected for signs of imminent or future collapse.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This chimney cap needs to be sloped more to insure water run off. It seems the flue caps are sufficient and has proper spacing for the 2 separate flues. The flashing is present to prevent water intrusion, but it is hard to confirm if it was imbedded into the mortar joint. Over all, looks good–but needs to have a qualified chimney inspector evaluate it.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Chimney are one of the heaviest structure on a house and needs to be supported. This includes a proper footing that is designed to carry the load. It also needs to have lateral support for the areas with seismic activity. A chimney can become unsafe after an event and must be inspected before further use or gathering in the “fall zone”.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Vent-less fireplaces may look good and heat the area but they come with serious drawbacks. They have the potential to take all the oxygen from the area and add carbon monoxide into the mix. Not a good combination for any living thing. And they also add to moisture content in the area increasing possibilities of mild growth. No wonder they have been banned in some states and municipalities.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This photo shows a brick chimney with 2 ports. The right side has been lined for a gas insert. The cap and mortar are cracking, crumbling, and spalling. This is considered a major repair and should be fixed as soon as possible to prevent water from entering the house .
Research & Writing Assignment:
Dryer vents are the cause of an astonishing number of house fires each year. They can become clogged with lint causing the dryer to over heat if not properly installed or the wrong materials are used. Knowing the requirements for dryer vents as an inspector allows us to quickly spot defects that are a potential fire hazard.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Shown is a gas log fireplace located in the living area of the home. Appropriate materials are used as a hearth and surround. However, the fresh air make up provided allows excess cold air to enter the conditioned space and should be adjusted.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Chimney flashing. Flashing a chimney properly is very important and i see a lot of chimneys that have been a victim of someone cutting corners. In the picture it is showing stop flashing. Step flashing is probably the most common style of flashing. Where people run into issues Is when the counter flashing is not installed. That will leave a gap that is either filled with sealant that will eventually fail or a gap that will allow moisture to seep in and cause issues further down the building line.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Chimney Repair. In the following picture you can see that they chimney was repaired with tar that is now cracking and failing. Most chimneys will have some sort of sealant on and around the chimney. When this sealant dries out and starts to crack it causes leaking and moisture intrusion into the attic and/ roof system. This is an area every homeowner should keep and eye on and maintain before it causes bigger problems.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The article Fire Extinguisher and Maintenance offers inspectors and homeowners alike valuable information. There are several different kinds of fires that can start in a home as well as different kinds of extinguisher types to help to put out those fires.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The first thing that is very noticable with this fireplace even from a distance is that the new wood flooring has been laid right up to the front face of the hearth. There has to be a noncombustable material, such as tile for example that extends at least 16 inches out from the hearth.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Chimney colapse is a very serious issue. It can cause major structural damage and even death. When inspecting the chimney a few things to look for are. An exterior chimney that is pulling away from the house, cracks in the mortar of the chimney, and soft or crumbling motor you shouldn’t be to stick a screwdriver into the motor.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This photo shows the fire box walls and gas line entry into a factory built fireplace. There are a couple of things that need to be addressed. The through wall hole for the gas line is not sealed with a fire retardant seal. The walls of the fireplace are in good condition but the corner joints between panels have large gaps that should be closed tight or sealed properl so that the heat, embers, or flames cannot accidently enter the wall/chase cavity and potentially start a fire on combustible materials inside the wall.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
In this image we have a chimney that extends at least 3 feet above where it protrudes the roof at the highest point and is at least 2 feet above any point within a 10 foot radius. This Chimney has some issues with it that would be considered defects. The chimney has a large crack in it which is going to allow water intrusion into the chase. It also lacks a 2 inch overhang at the chimney cap to account for draining water. This would further assist water intrusion into the large crack.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Pictured is the metal chimney cap, rain cap, and spark arrestor. A few issues were noted with these items including severe corrosion in multiple places. Water appeared to have been ponding in areas of the cap and was not shedding away from the flue.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I chose to research barbeque safety. I found it interesting to learn that no more than 2- 20-pound propane tanks are allowed to be on the premises of a one or two family dwelling. It would make sense as the hazards presented by the presence of propane gas are quite large in the damage they can cause with the slightest of mistakes.
