The Don’t do it yourself project

December 29, 2018 | Dangers!

On a regular basis I see factory built fireplaces incorrectly installed and unsafe for use. Some are due to the professional installer but more often it is a do it yourself project gone wrong. The scary thing is that the installation, most times, had been completed for some time or from a prior homeowner but the chance of a chimney fire is extreme. Here is one example below from last week: Let’s start in the attic where the two inch minimum clearance to combustibles has been violated in several areas. Additionally, the fire stop was missing from this system and combustibles had dropped down onto the factory built fireplace. To make matters worse, the chimney chase cover was was also made of combustible materials and was allowing water intrusion into the home. In summary, if you are going to install a fireplace yourself, please follow the manufacturers instructions and please … Continued

Read More

Fireplaces in vacation rentals – are they safe?

December 22, 2018 | Dangers!

Here is a scary answer, it depends on property owner. During one of my inspections today, I had what was supposed to be a sweep only of a fireplace at a vacation rental. To start, I refuse to ever do a sweep without an inspection, even if the homeowner insists that they only want a sweep of the system. Upon initial inspection, here is what the renter would see (and probably think it was safe). During my initial inspection I started noticing immediate red flags and started inspecting further. After ten minutes I had found that the flue liner was deteriorated, combustible debris was inside of the exterior metal surround, and the liner had disconnected towards the top of the system! Using a fireplace during a vacation can be a relaxing experience and create a wonderful ambiance during the holidays, but can also quickly become a serious safety issue. In … Continued

Read More

Attic dangers

December 22, 2018 | Dangers!

When inspecting a chimney system it is key to inspect the attic where the flue passes through. It may be extremely difficult to access for some homes but can be the make or break for preventing a chimney fire. To show how common clearance issues occur, on just my second inspection today I found where the original firestop was damaged replaced with combustibles right next to the flue system (not to even mention the combustible debris left around from the prior work). Not much to see from afar. Combustibles everywhere! 🤦‍♂️ Definitely not a two inch air space clearance to combustibles here… I hope these blogs are informative and show the potential dangers that need to be inspected and addressed if found. Fire prevention through thorough inspections!

Read More

Potential hazards of older homes

December 22, 2018 | A Day in the Life

I love working on older systems, partially due to working on several hundred growing up and living in a home built in 1926. Older homes have amazing character but can also come with some pretty substantial deferred maintenance. One unexpected hazard that comes up quite frequently is the potential for a partial chimney collapse due to deterioration. The picture below was the neighbors home but the the neighbors chimney system was a life safety concern for the clients living on both sides (falling bricks can kill). As you can see, no one should be standing below that chimney! To summarize, please have your history chimney system inspected by a professional and ask them to take a quick peek at the neighbors chimney systems just to be safe.

Read More

The potential hazards of new construction

December 21, 2018 | Dangers!

One concern I see on a regular basis is the lack of regulation with fireplace installations, including new construction. For reference here is the warning label clearly print on the flue system for the installers to follow: As you can see pretty simple to follow but rarely adhered to. As you can see this is just one example of violations to clearances to combustibles I find regularly. Cardboard insulation baffles leaning against the flue system, a fresh air vent against the flue liner, and a natural gas line that has been run past the flue system 🤦‍♂️. Any system new or old, I highly recommend having your fireplace inspected by a CSIA certified professional before use!

Read More

The importance of hiring a experienced chimney sweep

December 20, 2018 | A Day in the Life

Recently I inspected a home that was owned by a home inspector (I will not give the name) and while nothing out of the norm was observed or detected, I was called in to do a comprehensive inspection of the fireplace. I have known the home inspector for a while and he always recommends a level II inspection to get a full scope of the health of the system. I am very glad that he took his own advice and had me come inspect his fireplace! Below is what I found: [wpvideo 4jxBslrg ] When the home was remodeled the contractors did not install 68″ of flue liner and all of the flue gases were terminating into a wooden chimney chase! The entire missing section was hidden inside of the chimney chase and nothing out of the norm was visible from the attic as well. Luckily the issue was found … Continued

Read More