Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This wood burning stove is an insert to and existing fireplace. it is in defect due to the unit itself extending outward from the original opening and there for shortening the size of the hearth. It is recomended to increase the size of the hearth
Research & Writing Assignment:
I read the article about fire place fuel. A couple intersting facts I was supprised to learn were that pallets were acceptable to burn in a fire place, thouse those stamped with MB are not and that wood with mold and fugus is mot acceptable.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Furnace and water heater flue vents should be properly secured in the attic space and maintain a minimum 2 inch clearance from combustibles. The rain caps should be free of damage and secured tightly so they do not blow off in inclement weather.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Shown is a chimney with separation near the top. Cracking appeared to be related to thermal expansion coupled with neglect of the mortar. Mortar was observed with heavy cracking, bricks with spalling. Report recommended review by a qualified masonry contractor.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Reviewed the image titled “chimney deterioration due to condensation”. This is one of the examples that I use when I find gaps in or loose liner and coupled with spalling bricks. On the occasion that I’m not able to view the chimney flue, I insert this file into the report and explain the possible cause of spalling to the brick face and recommend review by a qualified chimney contractor.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
I have attached a picture of a dirty chimney liner. The picture shows a bad build up of creosote that needs to be cleaned prior to operation of the unit. The picture also shows what appears to be an air gap between the liner and where it connects to the rest of the system. That also should be looked at and addressed prior to operation.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I chose to read the article about fire extinguisher maintenance and inspection. What I learned was there are two other types of fires classifications I never realized. I never knew about class D or K fires until now. I always assumed class K was the same as class B. I never even considered a class for combustible metals either so I found that to be very interesting. I also learned there are different types of extinguishers as well to combat these different classes of fire.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This photo shows the vent pipe of a hot water heater. It is firmly attached into the chimney opening, however it is not sealed around it. This is a defect. This home has been remodeled and nothing else is vented into this chimney.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I studied articles and images related to chimney flashing and crickets. A cricket is required if the chimney is more than 30" wide. Proper flashing around a chimney includes step flashing, counter flashing that is cut into the chimney, and kickout flashing.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This image shows a factory installed, gas-fired fireplace. The fireplace has an adequate hearth length, as it sits above the floor rather than flush on top of the floor. The glass and all ventilation on the front of the fireplace is present and secure.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The article “Fireplace Fuel” goes in to detail about the different types of fireplace fuel and different hazards associated with burning the improper fuels. The article discusses how harmful vapors can vent outside or into the living space. It even describes how these harmful vapors can create mechanical issues.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Quality 59000 btu cast iron stove with 6" flue collar and heat shield. It draws air directly from room, takes a 17" log and will heat 1500 square feet.
The stove sits on a concrete pad finished in field stone.
The combustible wall is protected by a 4" thick stone heat shield with a 2 " air gap from dry wall surface. The shortest clearance point of stove to heat shield is 12 inches, well within allowable tolerances. This allows sufficient circulation of cooling air between the stove back and wall.
The stove exhausts directly into double wall 6" black stove pipe which is correctly fastened to the stove flue collar. The black pipe terminates at a ceiling thimble which is properly connected to an A vent ceiling support.
The double wall black pipe allows 6" to combustible wall materials and 8" to combustible ceiling materials.The install is well within these parameters.
The 6" A vent chimney is correctly installed with ceiling support, fire stop, roof flashing, storm collar and rain cap. All components are correctly fastened and the roof flashing is correctly caulked at contact point with roof shingles. The A vent chimney has a 40 inch clearance from the roofing materials and has a 16 foot horizontal clearance from the existing roof.
All components are UL rated, and meet both manufacturer and code install requirements.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
When discussing the functionality of a wood stove, it should be pointed out to the potential future homeowner, no matter how convenient it is, a central vacuum system, if present, should never be used to clean out the wood stove.
Research & Writing Assignment:
When discussing the functionality of a wood stove it should be pointed out to the potential future homeowner, no matter how convenient it is, a central vacuum system, if present, should never be used to clean out the wood stove.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I read the article on garage inspection dealing with roof truss installation. I agree that the trusses are incorrectly installed as they do not bear directly atop the outside exterior walls. These contact, load bearing points allow interior walls to be nonbearing. Furthermore the original nail fasteners no longer exist. However, trusses may touch interior walls and must be toe nailed to the walls so as to prevent horizontal shifting. The plywood gussets do nothing to compensate for incorrect installation at the outside walls. The installation of the trusses should not have been altered because the install must meet the engineer instructions that accompany the joists. Any change must be approved by a qualified structural engineer accompanied by drawings and a final inspection.
The joist hangers as depicted are fastened with wood screws but not all fastening points have been used. The install does not meet building code and is dangerous. The customer should be advised as to the incorrect and unsafe install and alterations and be advised to correct it.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
During an inspection it was annotated that the clearance on the hearth extension was not adequate and only measured to 9 1/4 inches. It was also recommended that all combustible decor be removed, to include the Santa Hat wearing flamingo. The Realtor stated that it was only staging. I explained that it is still a safety concern as the Gas Fireplace could be ignited at any time.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I found it interesting that in the Gallery where measurements should be taken. I have often measured hearth extensions from where they begin. Often this is recessed just inside the Firebox. I still have not read or found guidance on when the hearth extension is elevated (lipped) above the firebox; if it reduces the required amount for non-combustible materials.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The Inspections of a chimney have a number of rules and things to look for. It depends on the materials it is composed of and what kind of fuel type. But structure of the chimney is still a main priority to the entire structure of the home as well.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The Inspections of a chimney have a number of rules and things to look for. It depends on the materials it is composed of and what kind of fuel type. But structure of the chimney is still a main priority to the entire structure of the home as well.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
One or more flues do not have a screened cover installed. Screened covers prevent the following
[li]Wildlife (birds, rodents, raccoons, etc.) entering flues
[/li][li]Rainwater entering flues and mixing with combustion deposits, creating caustic chemicals which can corrode flues
[/li][li]Rainwater entering flues and causing damage to terracotta flue tiles from freeze-thaw cycles
[/li]
A qualified contractor should install screened cover(s) where missing. Screens should have holes 1/4 inch or larger.
