Research & Writing Assignment:
Flashing around the chimney is an important step. Like all other roof components, it should be installed with step flashing, counter flashing and at the lowest point, the apron flashing. If the top of the chimney is wider than 22 inches, than a cricket should be installed to help divert water away from pooling up onto the side of the chimney at that part.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Upon inspection of the exterior of the fireplace clean out ash dump, I saw that the door has been screwed shut. The area surrounding the exterior door and the door itself appeared to be in good condition. At this time I will not be able to provide a visual inspection of the interior clean out ash dump.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
I recently inspected this concrete block chimney on a 70 year old house. I noticed and commented in my report that the blocks seemed to be losing their substrate material leaving the aggregate exposed to the point where the structure needed to be closely watched. In addition, the mortar in the joints needed to be re-pointed in places.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Chimney Inspections: When inspecting a chimney, several items are easily inspected and can be critical to the safe operation of the chimney. First, check to ensure that the chimney is on a proper foundation and that it is not leaning either into or away from the structure. The the mortar joints should be checked for cracked and loose material.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Efflorescence was observed on a brick wall in the basement of a bank in Rosedale, MD. The source of moisture intrusion was found to be coming from the paved parking lot that had a negative slope toward this side of the bank. To resolve the problem the recommendation was made to re-grade the parking lot in this area achieving a 6 inch positive slope in 10 feet away from the building.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The attached photo was taken from the top of the chimney and shows fractured and loose flue tiles that are considered a potential fire hazard and is in need of repair.
The chimney exterior also had multiple fractured and deteriorated mortar joints as well as cracks and deterioration in the crown that needs repair.
I recommend contacting a licensed chimney sweep to evaluate the fireplace and chimney and to repair as needed to ensure the fireplace is safe to operate.
Research & Writing Assignment:
A clogged sink or toilet is one of the most inconvenient household problems that you will face. With a plunger on hand, however, you can usually remedy these plumbing issues relatively quickly. It is best to have two plungers – one for the sink and one for the toilet.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The following essay is based on the article titled Fireplace Fuel.
It is important to understand what can and cannot be used as fuel in a wood burning fireplace. Obviously wood is the designated fuel, however burning the wrong type of wood or wood that is not properly dried can be hazardous.
Hardwoods like Oak and Maple burn longer where soft woods like pine and fir burn faster and are good for starting the fire. Some construction lumber can be burned but should be free of paint or other contaminants that can release harmful vapors in the air. Treated lumber should never be burned due to the chemicals and toxic vapors released in the smoke.
Wood should be dry with moisture levels below 20% for the most efficient combustion. Burning the wrong wood can lead to faster creosote buildup that can result in a dangerous chimney fire, which is why it is so important to research and understand the characteristics of the wood fuel you are burning.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a manufactured fireplace insert made by Heat n Glow, it accepts up to 24"long pieces of wood. A temperature switch is located on the bottom of the hearth which controls a 120volt blower motor that circulates the hot air thru the insert. Vented by double wall 8" flue pipe that vents straight up thru the manufactured chimney chase up thru the roof. Noted a small 2 inch long crack in the refractory material but overall in good condition. Glass doors seal well at closure with door gasket material.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The image here is of a traditional fireplace. Most be construction will have a factory built fireplace which are very simple and much smaller compared to these. Traditional fireplace are more expensive and require more maintenance and have fallen out of favor expect for real fire place enthusiasts. If any of these components (with the exception of the ash dump) are missing or built improperly the fire place will not function properly
Research & Writing Assignment:
Fire place fuel
The proper the of fuel must be used in fire place. Coal can burn to hot and damage vital system components. Burning osb, waferboard, plywood, and treated or painted wood can cause detrimental problems to your health. Sappy wood will also leave creasote in t he e chimney liver sooner to than do. Always be mindful of how dry your firewood is and what and where it’s has been exposed to.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
When inspecting the fireplace, it is important to check the hearth and hearth extension for several safety concerns. The hearth itself should be no less than 4 in thickness and contain no cracks in the mortar. The extension, which proceeds out front of the box itself, should extend no less than 16 out from the box and 8 to each side for any fireplace with an open area of 6 sq ft. However, if the fireplace box is greater than 6 sq ft, the hearth extension should extend out 20 from the front of the box and 12 beyond each side.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Inspector inspected roof saw no debris base of the chimney was had correct flashing. it also appeared chimney had correct flue liner. measurements appeared to be correct. cap of the chimney was made of stainless steel. Also the structure of chimney was proper
Research & Writing Assignment:
Chimney is in overall good condition. Inspector left a maintenance booklet for the upkeep of the chimney for the homeowner. The damper was visually inspected. Fire place appeared to be correct size for the room. AlSo fireplace was well kept
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a properly installed vent for a factory built natural gas fireplace. The vent is made of stainless steel and is double walled. The protective grates on the top and bottom of the vent housing are in good condition and there are no signs of damage or moisture intrusion around the vent trim.
Research & Writing Assignment:
In a wood burning fireplace only certain materials are meant to be burnt. Hardwoods are the best material to burn however softwoods can be used to start a fire as they usually ignite easier than a hardwood. Hardwoods such as maple, oak or birch are best used after preheating the chimney. The softwoods like pine or fir are best used in the early stage of the fire while preheating the chimney. Wood from pallets, broken tree limbs if dry, or commercially produced fire logs can also be used.
Some materials should never be burnt in your fireplace as they can produce extremely toxic gases that can cause serious health problems. These are painted or pressure treated wood, plywood, particle or chip board, OSB, rotted, diseased or moldy wood, allergenic plants, dryer lint, trash or driftwood.
It is recommended to only burn approved materials in your fireplace to prevent damage to the fireplace components from corrosive gases and to prevent any potential health problems.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a stand-alone propane ventless fireplace system. The components are generally clean and appear to operate. The propane open/shut valve as well as the pilot light on/off switch are located within the insert on the left and right sides of the firebox. This looks to be by design.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Conducting a fireplace inspection. Tools needed, flashlight, mirror, knee pads. We are looking for several things here during the inspection. As you walk up to the fireplace check the size of the room in relation to the size of the fireplace. Next you want to check the firebox and make sure you do not see any damage, holes, cracks, missing bricks. Next you want to look up into the throat and check the damper to make sure it opens and closes. This is done after you have completed your exterior inspection of the fireplace and looked at the ash dump.
Research & Writing Assignment:
“Firestops” are passive fire-protection methods used at openings in drywall for chimney chases and stove pipes or for electric cables. Firestops are usually made from sheet metal, lightweight cement or caulk (fire-rated), and “firestop pillows” made up of graphite or rockwool. It’s important for the inspector to note and document the use and condition of firestops around chimney vents passing through attic ceilings.
