Research & Writing Assignment:
Fireplace inspection, while doing a visible is inspection of the fireplace its important to look inside the fire place back as far as possible, taking not of any cracks or defects in and around Frieplace, be sure to function the damper as part of your inspection.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Spark arrestor/weather cap is missing. A missing spark arrestor /weather cap allows the potential for moisture intrusion into the flue, onto the damper door or furnace and hot water pipe, and into the firebox. Excessive moisture in this area of the fireplace may lead to long-term damage. Install a spark arrestor/weather cap to guard against water entry into the flue. This is meant to prevent water from entering the chimney flue and into the firebox, which is built to be a dry environment.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I read Chimney inspection / preventing Collapse. I learned to inspect the mortar between bricks; missing or insufficient support; mechanical damage to chimney; and chimney footing defects. with this i should be a better chimney inspector on my next inspection.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The picture on the left shows a type b vent going to the chimney. The vent needs a clearance of at least an inch on all sides from combustibles, but here it is resting on the wood. The picture on the right show a crack in the panels. While not an immediate problem, it should be monitored.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Combustible Materials And Fireplace:There should be proper distance between the materials above and around the fireplace to minimize the risk of fire.Combustible materials should be placed at least 3 feet away from the fireplace opening as it is not found in this picture.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Proper Chimney flashings should be used where the chimney stack meets the roof covering to prevent water penetration into roof structure. Flashings should be made of corrosion resistant materials.Several factors can lead to water intrusion but missing or improperly placed flashings often results in concentrated areas of water accumulation and can damage the exterior walls
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This wood burning stove appears to be in good maintained condition. Stone protrudes at least 18 inches in front of the doors and the wall is stone as well. Combustibles should have a minimum 18 inches clearance from the stove. The wood logs are violating this.
Research & Writing Assignment:
This short essay is about the importance of kickout flashing. It is most important where an exterior wall meets the roof system. The water may travel down the roof and miss the gutter completely potentially being obsorbed by the wall. Many homeowners choose to remove or modify these flashings as they can be unsightly.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The Chimney cap has become cracked and brittle and is no longer efficiently protecting from rain. The seal around the flue has failed and needs re-sealing. There is no rain guard installed. I recommend a licensed contractor evaluate the chimney cap and rain guard.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I chose to look over the “Fireplace and Chimney Components” illustration to do an overview of all the components that was gone over in this module. The only thing I am not seeing in this illustration is the air vent.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This picture shows cracks in the mortar and brick separation in the face of the chimney. This could indicate structural issues with the chimney, or allow moisture to penetrate the interior of the chimney. It is recommended to have this issue repaired by a professional.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I have read the article titled “Fireplace Fuel”. It explains the importance of burning the right type of fuel in your home’s fireplace. Surprisingly, wood from pallets are typically safe to burn in your home’s fireplace, as long as they are labeled “MB”. It is also important to burn dry wood.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a fireplace. The picture shows the condition of the hearth. There is a moveable metal screen protecting against embers that may spark out, and there is a noncombustible metal screen covering the fireplace while it is not being used. The damper is closed to avoid a draft from occurring. There is creosote on the walls that may need cleaning along with the ash left in the bottom, otherwise the fireplace is in good shape. Combustibles around the fireplace need to be at least 36" away.
Research & Writing Assignment:
My essay is on wood burning stoves. Wood burning stoves can be made of cast iron and stainless steel. They set out in the open, as opposed to being inset like a traditional fireplace. Coal should never be burned in a wood stove because they are not designed for that use. There 2 different types of stoves and that is catalytic and non-catalytic. Catalytic are more efficient however requires more maintenance and cleaning.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Here is a picture of a recently inspected water heater vent pipe that was separated, missing connection screws and not cemented properly entering the chimney. There was no carbon monoxide detector in the house to alert the occupants of possible gasses entering the dwelling and creating a dangerous situation.
Research & Writing Assignment:
For this essay I have read an article about buying a foreclosed house. Having an InterNACHI inspector checking your foreclosed house that you are trying to get, could be the most important step in buying that type of property, because essentially you dont know what happened to the house before previous homeowners stop making payments on it. A good home inspection can leave you with a piece of mind when you are going to close a deal or save you thousands of dollars with preventing you from making that deal.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This image is of the firebox walls. The walls satisfy the 2 inch thick requirement and the mortar joint width does not exceed a thickness of 1/4 inch. The wall slant is greater than 5 inches per foot, this is to direct the heat into the living area.
Research & Writing Assignment:
While inspecting fire extinguishers be sure they are readily available and within the proper distance, and the hose is not obstructed. Check that the pressure is within specification, the pin for the seal, cracks or dents, labels, and modifications. When replacing the extinguisher be sure it is in the proper location and is securely mounted.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a picture of a fire extinguisher in a household. The display shows narrow in a discharge area,and also last date checked dates 6 years ago, also the pin is missing,and there is sign of corrosion by the neck area. This extinguisher is not safe to use in a household and needs to be destroyed and replaced with a new one
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This chimney was observed with deteriorated mortar joints, a cracked crown, and a missing spark arrestor. In addition of these defects the flashing appears to be sealed with a silicone type sealant which is a defect as well. The chimney has an appropriate clay liner in good condition but has not been cleaned and inspected annually as needed.
