New Fireplace and Chimney Inspection show with Mike Nelson.

[Nick Gromicko]

http://www.nachi.tv/episode31

[James H. Bushart]

Very informative. Thanks, Nick and Mike.

[dmcauley]

Good stuff! Thanks Mike and Nick.

[Barry Adair]

I'll take issue with some of the info provided

Hearth extension
16" for < 6 square foot
20" for =or> 6 square foot

12" clearance to the sides

Any cracking of refractory panels identified shall be noted, no mater how insignificant they appear during the inspection

Any tampering/removal of factory installed components may void ratings and shall be further evaluated by a Professional, let them OK the unit I won't!

Texas SOP Fireplace and chimney. The inspector shall:

(1) report as in need of repair deficiencies in the visible components and structure of the chimney and fireplace;
(2) inspect the interior of the firebox and the visible flue area, and report as in need of repair built up creosote in visible areas of the firebox and flue (the inspector is not required to determine the adequacy of the draft or perform a chimney smoke test);
(3) report as in need of repair a damper that does not operate;
(4) report as in need of repair the presence of non-combustible hearth extension;
(5) report as in need of repair deficiencies in the lintel, hearth and material surrounding the fireplace, including clearances from combustible materials;
(6) report as in need of repair the absence of firestopping at the attic penetration of the chimney flue, where accessible;
(7) report as in need of repair any gas log lighter valves that do not function or leak gas;
( report as in need of repair any circulating fan that does not operate, if present;
(9) report as in need of repair deficiencies in combustion air vent, if present; and
(10) report as in need of repair deficiencies in chimney coping or crown, caps or spark arrestor (inspected from ground level at a minimum).

Report statement:

The inner reaches of a flue are relatively inaccessible, and it should not be expected that the distant oblique view from the top or bottom is adequate to fully document damage even with a strong light. Therefore, because the inspection of chimneys is limited to those areas that can be viewed without dismantling any portion of them, and does not include the use of specialized equipment, we will not guarantee their integrity and recommend that they be video-scanned before the close of escrow.
The National Fire Protection Association http://www.nfpa.org advises that each chimney receive a Level II inspection each time a residence is sold.
Inspection Levels Explained: http://www.csia.org/pressroom/press-inspection-levels-explained.htmit is also advised that this inspection be conducted by a tradesperson certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America http://www.csia.org
Fireplace Investigation Research and Education http://www.f-i-r-e-service.com or
International Association of Fireplace and Chimney Inspectors http://www.membersiafci.org

[Patrick Bolliger]

I did not see anything on "Vent less" fireplaces....

In Chicago we unfortunately see many of these in new construction.. Even in small rooms!! To boot , up to 50,000 BTU!!

No Chimney and to top it off gas valves INSIDE fireboxes!!
Utility company (Gas) valves INSIDE fireboxes unlike the insert MFG product! The crazy part is that is grudgingly permitted per the gas utility!!!
Two stupid practices.. One you die from CO and the other you burn your hand and arm trying to shut it off!!

As for the vent less MFG product, they have first say in how there product gets installed. This is per the city of Chicago adopted 2003 NFGC "Code"...

Best practice...how about common sense...