Solid burning fireplaces: I learned that wood used in these fireplaces need to be properly dried prior to using and that over stacking the amount of wood should not be done. Open voids and cracks in the fire box should be inspected and repaired depending on the width of the crack (s). Fireplaces using gas fuel lines need to be properly sealed to prevent damage or fire to the interior components of the fireplace chase. I learned that a 16" space is needed to help prevent burning embers form damaging carpets, wood floor, etc. Fireplace inserts typically require wider protection of fire resistant material(tile) in the length of 22" or more.
It’s important to only burn well seasoned wood in your stove. You should never burn pressure treated wood, driftwood, painted wood, glossy paper, plastic, or garbage in your wood stove. Also, you should never burn coal in a wood burning stove that is designed specifically to burn wood. Burning treated lumber, painted wood, trash, and such, releases toxic chemicals into the atmosphere as well as your home, and could cause other damage as well.
Chimney fires usually go undetected because they don’t get enough air or have enough fuel to be visible. Evidence of chimney fires can be found during a chimney/flue inspection and usually involve damage to nearby combustibles that make up the chimney structure.
Chimney counter flashing on roof is loose and is not properly installed. Flashing should be installed correctly to prevent damaged. This can lead to moisture intrusion and cause serious damages to home. A qualified contractor should inspect and make repairs as needed.
Chimney can have a significant impact on a home. While inspection the structure of a chimney always check for any movement or separation of the structure. Always take a closer look at the structure when in areas known for earthquakes. Earthquakes can cause structure movement of a chimney and can lead damaged to the home.
From the illustration gallery on improper vent connector one can clearly see that the vent connector is placed too deep into the chimney flue.That can restrict the gasses to flow freely up the chimney and furthermore it can back up the gasses (carbon monoxide) to enter the dwelling around the draft hood and possibly causing a dangerous health issue. Recommend decreasing the length of the vent pipe entering the chimney.
The fireplace is in good condition. There were no noted cracks or missing mortar in the firebox. The damper operates as it is intended. There was some creosote build up on the inside of the firebox and flue, recommend having licensed professional sweep and clean the chimney.
Factory-Built Fireplaces
I did not know that any combustible flooring near the fuel opening must be insulated with non-combustible floor protection. It is important that toom air-inlet and outlet grilles must be unobstructed. It is also very important to hire a chimney sweep company to clean out the fireplace on a year.
This fireplace that I inspected the other day was a Heatiraider. This particular unit is behind glass and has a wall switch to lite the pilot. The unit was not operating properly as the gas valve on the wall needed to be turned on when using. This type of fireplace is an on demand type which allows you to keep the gas on at all times. The thermal-coupler/thermopile was not controlling the valve properly and the gas was going up the chimney. This also considered a gas leak and should be corrected.
The metal insert with a gas log appliance is what I see a lot in the North Texas area. The most common thing that I find that they are missing is a damper clamp. You need to have a damper clamp on so that the damper can not be closed when using the fireplace. Other wise the gas will fill the living space and this could be very dangerous situation.
This is a picture of efflorescence in concrete block in a home. Efflorescence is the white chalky powder that you might find on the surface of a concrete or brick wall. Efflorescence is a cosmetic issue,but it can mean that there are moisture issues in the home.
I read the article “Chimney Inspection: Preventing Collapse”. Before reading this article i had never thought of chimneys in earthquakes and how dangerous they could be. So it only makes sense that they should be inspected carefully in earthquake potential areas.
Today what I am inspecting is the hose bib outside on the north side. It is leaking from the connector. The handle is a quarter turn I would mark this as marginal. And also recommend it be evaluated by a liscense plumber.
The illustration I was viewing today is a pic of a chimney. The chimney didnt have any defects in or around it. The passage underneath the pic was just stating what to look for while inspecting all parts of the chimney.
Full observation of this chimney was not completed due to snow cover. Metal, wood burning stove chimney. This is a fully exposed metal chimney, no chase installed. An opening in the roof has been cut for the chimney. This chimney has the proper rain cap and storm collar. Recommend having this chimney cleaned and inspected prior to use.
Photo: hearth extension requirements. Size is dependent upon square footage of the fireplace. Hearth extensions should be a minimum of 16 inches with a fireplace less than 6 square feet of opening. Hearth extensions should be a minimum of 20 inches with fireplaces greater than 6 square feet of opening. If these are not met, report as a defect.
Chimneys are very heavy and at risk of collapse in seismic events or due to deterioration. Mortar eroding is a common issue with masonry fireplaces. Defects include cracked flues, gaps in masonry, galvanized dampers, improperly formed crowns, or crowns made of regular mortar
There are multiple signs of water intrusion due to improper roof chimney flashing. The first is the moisture intrusion signs on the rafters and purlins. There is also efflorescence on the chimney. Recommend evaluation by and repair of flashing by licensed roofer and removal of efflorescence. Framing components must also be at least 2 inches away from chimney wall
I’ve inspected many fireplaces with gas lines installed. From this article, I’ve learned that such gas line connections must have a protective sealant to prevent super heated air from the fireplace down draft potentially igniting the gas line connection point.
The fireplace in this home has a clay tile lining as is typical of homes built in the 1970’s. Upon inspection of the flue and throat area, a build up of creosote is clearly visible which can cause unwanted combustion (fire hazard). In addition, the photo clearly shows a gap between the brick and mortar joint which may allow for hot spots.
