Research & Writing Assignment:
This essay is about Fireplace fuels. In general a person should consider if the wood is clean. Free from oils, paints, or pesticides. Though some oils or chemicals the wood has soaked up isnt visual to the homeowner, it can become very toxic when burned inside a fireplace omitting toxic fumes. Another caution worth mentioning is termites. When a person brings termite infested logs into the home the eggs or termites themself can easily be transferred into the home.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The photo is of a fireplace with a small, inadequate hearth. The fireplace opening is large enough to warrant a 12 in minimum ant the sides and 20 in minimum to the front. In this case the sides extend to approximately the required distance, however the front is considerably short of the standards.
Research & Writing Assignment:
In the “clearances for pitched roofs” diagram it is noted that chimneys should project at least three feet above the roof, at least two feet above any structure within 10 feet horizontally. These proportions are the basis for the “3-2-10 rule”.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This photograph portrays a chimney that is at least three feet above the highest point of penetration. This chimney also has proper flashing and counter flashing. On the very top of the chimney is the manufacturer cap that protects the lining and the flue from water intrusion.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Chimney Inspection: Preventing Collapse
by Nick Gromicko
In this article I learned that a chimney foundation is very important to the structural integrity of the chimney. In some case people have been killed due to poor construction practices as well as deterioration over time. A chimney is a very heavy aspect of a home that could potentially fall and injure someone so it is good to have it checked every once in a while.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a shot of inside the flue pipe and damper. Aside from being covered with soot the damper works and looks to be in working order. Further inspection is needed for an accurate look at the interior of the chimney. I would recommend a professional exam with a scope or camera to traverse the interior of the chimney flue.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
I would always recommend that a chimney is cleaned or inspected every year to decrease liability. It appears that this fireplace has had many fires as evidence of the black soot and creosote that is further seen up the flue. It also appears that the fire has been very hot to warp the back end of the metal grate. Unless an inspector has a spectroscope is it possible to determine whether or not a chimney is safe to use since the flue cannot be readily seen? This is one place to inspect at the end of the inspection because to do it right the inspector will probably have to get soot all over to see the deep inside the cavity of the fireplace box.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I looked at an illustration of the fireplace and chimney components. I’m bewildered with the why there should be an ash dump. If the proper wood is being burned then there should be little ash and then what ash is left it can be cleaned out directly from the opening of the firebox. Why push all the ashes down to the ash pit to only later clean out later?
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
A Type B vent system located above a water heater. Water heater is propane gas supplied. The gas vent is vertical and extends through a paneled drop ceiling, extending into the attic space above and vented outside of this structure. Type B vents are only allowed on gas supplied appliances.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Chemneys are vulnerabe to weather conditions year round due in part to their size and extension above the roofline. Because of this chemneys are subject to deteriorate causing them to fall which can be deadly if they fall on people. Chimneys should be inspected and cleaned annually or anytime after a major weather event such as an earthquake.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a prefabricated fireplace. The clay panel at the back of the unit has a thin crack that does not appear to affect the operation of the unit. It would be recommended to keep an eye on any possible further expansion during future use.
Research & Writing Assignment:
This is an essay on the article:
“No Visible Evidence”, Language may be evidence against you.
The article states that the inspection is a snapshot in time and that the wording should support and define these parameters. This is beneficial to both the client, inspector and seller. It is both a reflection of the condition of areas to be inspected and it reduces speculation of meaning. Concise terminology and factual brevity eliminates conjecture to focused facts. Remember if the wording is cut and dry there is no room to wiggle a false interpretation.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Here is an example of a narrative used for a cracked crown.
Moderate cracking visible in the chimney crown should be filled with an appropriate sealant to prevent worsening damage caused by moisture in the cracks expanding as it freezes. All work should be performed by a qualified contractor.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Chimney Inspection: Preventing Collapse
Chimney integrity is very important for safety. A leaning or structural defective chimney can present a hazardous condition by using the fireplace while the chimney is compromised but it also presents a hazard due to brick/masonry components that can come loose, fall and damage property and potentially injure people.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This photo is a great example of what not to do. The inspection of the firebox showed that someone had used an igloo cooler in place of a proper damper. It was advised to the client to have a qualified chimney contractor install the correct manually operated damper.
Research & Writing Assignment:
From the image gallery, this shows the 3-2-10 rule. The chimney should be at least 3 feet above the roof surface. The chimney should rise a minimum of 2 feet where the slope of the roof is 10 feet away from the chimney.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Regarding the attached photo showing area in crawlspace where foundation wall has separated from support of chimney base. The use of a foaming insulation material is not intended to sure up the joins between two concrete materials. It was noted to have a qualified contractor estimate and evaluate to ensure this is no longer a safety concern.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Regarding the attached photo showing area in crawlspace where foundation wall has separated from support of chimney base. The use of a foaming insulation material is not intended to sure up the joins between two concrete materials. It was noted to have a qualified contractor estimate and evaluate to ensure this is no longer a safety concern.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The image of this fireplace and surrounding items was taken from an InterNachi Course. The fireplace appeared to have several stored items too close or near the fireplace. There are several dangers or hazards with this situation. If hot embers escapes from the fireplace and makes contact with any of these items a fire could occur. A recommendation to store all combustibles or flammables a safe distance from fireplace openings and hearths will be suitable for all occupants.
Research & Writing Assignment:
What can and cannot be burned in Fireplaces for heating a home? 1) Recommended for Fireplaces are dried, cut firewood to consist of a mixture of hardwoods, such as maple and oak, and softwoods, such as fir and pine. 2) Not recommended for Fireplaces are painted wood, pressure treated wood, plywood, particleboard, chipboard or OSB, rotted, diseased or moldy wood, damp wood, allergenic plants, dryer lint, trash and driftwood.
