Foreclosure Inspection >> Fireplace inspection
Foreclosure Inspection > Fireplace Inspection
Inspection of fireplace condition
Type of fireplace: -- Masonry -- Prefabricated -- Wood Stove -- Insert -- Free Standing
Type of Fuel: -- Gas -- Wood log
Fireplace gas valve: -- Functional -- Not functional --> Installation required for emergency purposes.
Fireplace in above picture gas shut-off valve on the left. Glass door and vent on the right of photograph
Fireplace chimney flue: -- Seems functional with limited access -- Not functional --> Consider installation metal flue.
Chimney damper: -- In operational condition -- Not functional --> Gasses may enter living space (serious health hazard!) when damper stays closed, there will be heat loss if damper stays open.
Closed and open damper is in good condition on the left photograph. It is gas-operated and not used for burning real wood. See the inside of flue pipe on the right picture.
Fireplace walls: -- No major cracks observed -- Some common, minor cracks observed --> Seal or replace. (Use mirror to check their status.)
Any sign of water leak on the walls? -- No -- Yes --> Examine flashing around the chimney on the roof and replace worn out, cracked, or missing flashing.
Gas piping: -- Proper -- Improper --> Evaluation by HVAC contractor needed.
Are combustibles far enough? -- Yes -- No --> Maintain safe distance
Safety inspection of fireplace
Fireplace protective door: -- Function properly -- Needs to be serviced
Does it have spark arrestor? -- Yes -- No --> Installation is required especially for wood burning fireplace. Make sure the wire mesh is not damaged.
Do all interior doors have one inch space under them to allow air circulation? -- Yes -- No --> Doors need to be serviced or replaced