Research & Writing Assignment:
I choose to look at Insulation Around Chimney. In this picture, I learned that there needs to be a fire stop on the chimney stack when it penetrates into the attic and it also needs a 1" to 2" clearance from insulation. This is obtain by a box that is taller than the insulation and is secured so that insulation can not push the box closer to the chimney stack.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Today the majority of installations of fireplaces are those of which are manufactured. Manufactured fireplaces require the majority of equipment of traditional built in fireplaces. What sets the manufactured fireplace apart for its traditional counterpart is the fact that they can be easily installed in an existing home. Manufactured fireplaces although may not be considered safer allow for zero clearance through the home meaning the 2 inch combustible requirement may be waived. Although the manufactured fireplace may allow for zero clearance through sheathing it is still important to maintain fireplace safety by the homeowner and keep any combustible material at least 3 feet away, also use the mesh screen provided to prevent sparks from leaving the firebox.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This manufactured propane fireplace is shown as operational. It has a vent and chimney exhaust directly behind the unit. The vent does not rise to the roofline but is only about 5 feet from the deck which makes it a danger to children who could reach the metal and potentially burn themselves. The vent was out of reach when it was installed before the deck was placed below it. I will have to check with the manufacturer to see what the exact installation specifications of the unit should be.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This photo is of a prefabricated wood burning fire place. Thi fire place has metal side walls that have distorted from hi temperatures. which have pulled away from the back ceramic wall, creating a gap in the corners. Ash material has built up in the crack on the right lower corner. the glass doors work and close as designed. There is evidence of soot on the interior of the doors, indicating the doors being closed while a fire is lit. Everything else appears to be in good shape. appropriate non combustible materials surround the fireplace opening. The flue and dampers operates properly. Recommendation is to have the fire place inspected by a certified contractor and cleaned before using the fireplace.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Efflorescence (white powdery deposits) visible on the inside surfaces of the crawl space foundation walls is an indication of moisture intrusion. Moisture intrusion could affect the ability of the soil beneath the foundation to carry the weight of the structure above and may cause structural damage from soil movement. Moisture intrusion could also damage home materials and encourage the growth of microbes such as mold. Efforts should be made to identify the source of the moisture and correct this condition to help avoid future damage from moisture intrusion.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Pellet Stoves for Inspectors
Pellet stoves can look a lot like wood burning stoves. however there are some differences that inspectors need to be aware of. the vent piping can be smaller, as small as 3", which would most likely be way too small for a wood burning stove. pellet stoves, usually have smaller burn chambers compared to a wood burning stove. because of the smaller burn chamber and the smaller size of the pellets the clearances around a free standing stove can be smaller. The exterior cassing of a pellet stove in use will be cooler to the touch than a wood stove. The clearances should be listed on the back side of the pellet stove. These smaller clearances that would be a defect on a wood stove may be more than enough for the pellet stove. the inspector should still be aware of hot marking of the surrounding materials.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I read the article on Backdrafting, and learned tha a fuel fired water heater shall not be installed in a room used as a storage closet. I also learned that water heaters located in a bedroom or bathroom need to be installed in a sealed enclosure so that combustion air will not be taken from the living space.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Proper fireplace inspection is crucial for the safety of the homeowner. As inspectors we need to ensure distance from the hearth is adequate. If there is gas line installed it must also be inspected for leaks and sealing at the firewall. Operation of the damper must be done as well as looking up the flue for any damage that may stand out. Once complete of the internal inspection we must take a look outside and ensure the proper intake as well as looking at the cap and ensuring there is a rain guard installed. Additionally it is important to ensure no flammable objects such as overgrown vegetation are impeding the unit.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Wood pellet burning stove. A wood burning pellet stove was observed at time of inspection. The wood burning pellet stove was in use at time of inspection. Stove operated under normal controls and no defects were observed at the time of inspection.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Chimney flashing. Flashing is required at a chimney. If the chimney is has a surface area of 30" or over or is on a steep pitched roof then a cricket is required. Otherwise head flashing is sufficient. Around the edges step flashing and counter flashing are required. At the under side of the chimney apron flashing is required. All flashing should be attached 1" into the mortar joints and sealed.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a picture of a wood burning stove.
It has a safe distance away from the wall and there are some objects that should be moved to a minimum of three feet away from the wood stove.It appears to be reduced from a eight inch to a six inch pipe right at the stove pipe exit.
Research & Writing Assignment:
This picture shows a automatic damper vent, on the pipe itself.It also has a reducer from eight inch pipe to six inch pipe,then goes from a 3 foot pipe to the auto damper vent.Then continues on to a heat exchanger,the pipe itself.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The damper displayed in this picture is a manual powered damper. The damper was in functioning condition. It was made of ferrous material. It was obvious that this fireplace was only used for solid burning fuel source. I also observed that the smoke shelf behind was intact.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Chimney collapse is a very serious issue. It is heaviest and most structurally vulnerable exterior component on a house.Many factors can lead to chimney collapse. Wind and other elements such as rain and snow will cause cracks in mortar joints. Undersized footing , poor soil condition , or expansive clay could also play a major role. Also don’t rule out seismic activity.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
In the photo the chimney is missing a cap. The cap should be installed to prevent water and snow entering the chimney and causing damage to the chimney structure as well as preventing animals from entering the chimney and home
Research & Writing Assignment:
Chimney collapse is a serious concern. The inspector should look for crumbling motor, insufficient lateral support, visible separation from the building, poor soil below the footing or general poor construction. A damaged chimney should be immediately addressed to prevent possible collapse and injury or property damage.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
this is an image of a Type B gas vent. type B gas vents are used to exhaust flue gasses from listed draft hood equipped, gas-burning appliances. this particular vent is used for my domestic hot water heater and gas fired heat system. the main issue with this particular vent is that the connectors from my hot water heater and my heat system, though as short and straight as possible, terminate into the main vent at the same level. the smaller vent is supposed to connect to the main above the larger connector. i do notice there is a slight scent of gas when i open my boiler closet, this can be a byproduct of having bothe connectors connect to the main vent at the same level.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Here a faux fireplace was created around a Hearthstone Manchester wood stove. The fireplace is made of cement board and milled stones, over 2 x 4 framing. The area under the stove and fireplace is ceramic tile on top of cement board over the plywood subfloor. Above the fireplace the decorative wall is made of white pine paneling. Checking the wood stove manufacturer’s required distances for clearances between stove and combustible materials, the instillation is correct.
The stainless steel stovepipe connects to a double-wall stainless steel chimney that passes through the ceiling through a factory built firebreak connection that also supports the chimney. From there it continues up to the roof inside a chase. Above the roof the chimney stretches four feet above the roof to meet the recommended two feet of clearance above the nearest roof ten feet away.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Fire Extinguisher Maintenance and Safety. Fire extinguishers are rated for the type of fire they are intended to extinguish. Type A is for wood, paper, and solid combustibles, type B is for flammable liquids, type C is for electrical fires, type D is for burning metals, and type K is usually used for flammable oils in commercial kitchens.
All fire extinguishers have a life and most last 5 to 10 years. After that they should be checked. Many have pressure gauges on the side that can indicate if it is still charged. If in doubt about the effectiveness, replace the fire extinguisher. They are cheap insurance.
Research & Writing Assignment:
image: chimney deterioration due to condensation:
all chimneys can deteriorate from water and condensation. one of the main enemies of a masonry chimney is water. moisture intrusion can be visible, typically, by vertical water stains that run along the exterior of the chimney, but damage can go beyond a simple water stain and inspectors should not rely on a visible stain to conclude there is or isnt water damage. deterioration usually happens at the mortar joints by spalling, or at the actual brick by efflorescence. efflorescence can be indicatory of a moisture problem much deeper. to avoid water damage and deterioration of the chimney, a rain cap must be used at the termination on the roof. the crown must be sloped to direct water away from the flue, and proper flashing must be used to direct water away from the chimney and into the gutters by use of kickout flashing. deterioration can be repaired by repointing the mortar joints, and taking the precautions to direct water away.
