FIREPLACE & CHIMNEY

FIREPLACE & CHIMNEY

Fireplaces and chimneys can serve as interesting architectural features and cost effective ways to heat a home or commercial property. However, both require significant and thorough maintenance to prevent potential safety and fire hazards.

Fireplaces and chimneys can serve as interesting architectural features and cost effective ways to heat a home or commercial property. However, both require significant and thorough maintenance to prevent potential safety and fire hazards.

During Your Inspection

The inspector will take note of the following in accordance with InterNACHI’s Standards and Policies.

During Your Inspection

The inspector will take note of the following in accordance with InterNACHI’s Standards and Policies.

Fireplaces

Fireplaces have served as a centerpiece in homes for centuries (this is especially true around the holidays). When designed properly, fireplaces and other similar amenities such as wood-burning stoves, can be a clean and efficient way to heat a home or commercial property.

During the Fireplace inspection, the inspector will take note of the following in accordance with InterNACHI’s Standards and Policies:

  • The type of fireplace (wood-burning, gas-burning, electric, or ethanol-burning)

  • The conditions of the hearth, hearth extensions, and fire chambers

  • The condition and functionality of the damper doors

  • The presence of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors

While inspecting the different aspects of a fireplace, the inspector will be looking for any potential safety hazards in need of correction. These include:

  • Signs of damage or joint separation of the hearth and its extensions

  • Inoperable dampers

  • A lack of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the same room as the fireplace

  • Close proximity to gasoline or other flammable vapors or gasses.

These all can pose major fire hazards and should be repaired and/or corrected as found. Please note that the inspector is not required ignite or put out any fires during the inspection.

Chimney

Chimneys are among the heaviest exterior components of a building. They are also one of the most structurally vulnerable. A damaged or collapsed chimney not only inhibits proper ventilation of a fireplace, but can also pose serious danger to the residents of a home or commercial property. Should the inspection reveal that an existing chimney is not safe for the intended use, it must be repaired or rebuilt to conform to building standards.

During the chimney inspection, the inspector shall examine all visible and readily accessible parts, including:

  • Chimney outlets

  • Flues and liners

  • Flue size

  • The material and condition of the cleanout doors and frames

  • Wall protectors/heat shields (for single-wall metal chimneys)

  • Crowns/caps and liners (for masonry chimneys)

residential inspection
commercial inspection
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The Sterling Difference

With the Sterling Inspection Group, you have the leading inspection team on your side – flexible scheduling and competitive rates. Our reports are thorough, detailed, and delivered to you within 24 hours of inspection.

Our team is dedicated to providing superior service and attention to detail that both first time home buyers as well as seasoned property investors can appreciate. Helping people for over 20 years in the home inspection industry, you can feel confident we have the experience to provide peace of mind!

ABOUT US
SCHEDULE INSPECTION

The Sterling Difference

With the Sterling Inspection Group, you have the leading inspection team on your side – flexible scheduling and competitive rates. Our reports are thorough, detailed, and delivered to you within 24 hours of inspection.

Our team is dedicated to providing superior service and attention to detail that both first time home buyers as well as seasoned property investors can appreciate. Helping people for over 20 years in the home inspection industry, you can feel confident we have the experience to provide peace of mind!

READY TO SCHEDULE?

We’ll give you a call and schedule the best time for you!