Why are Inspections so Important?

The NFPA requires chimneys to be inspected on an annual basis. Why is this a requirement? The first and most obvious reason is fire prevention. Chimneys need to be inspected at least once a year for defects, normal wear and tear, or any signs of damage. Fire prevention isn't the only reason to have a certified professional check your chimney. Water damage is another huge concern. Without proper chimney maintenance, moisture can enter the home and cause issues, like mold, mildew or wood rot. This is why it's also required to have a level 2 inspection performed whenever a home changes hands. Every part of the chimney needs to be checked to ensure that it meets the NFPA 211's standards. For more information on the parts of a chimney, continue reading, or Contact Us Here. 

Chimney Sweeping

Having a chimney swept is necessary to keep it operating properly. The frequency of these cleanings varies depending on how often the appliance is used. Part of the annual inspection involves checking the flue for soot buíldup. A dirty flue can lead to poor draw, back puffing, or flue fires.  

Burning pine or unseasoned wood can cause soot to build up much more quickly. It can also lead to glazed creosote which is highly flammable. It is recommended that only properly seasoned wood be burned in a fireplace or wood burning stove. Burning the proper fuel, having the chimney inspected annually and cleaned when necessary, helps to prevent the buíldup of creosote and reduce the likelihood of flue fires. 

Chimney Caps

Rain caps are a critical piece of hardware for all chimney flues. A chimney without a rain cap can let pests and water into the home. I've heard several stories of animals getting caught in chimneys and fireplaces. Some get trapped and die. Others enter the home and cause damage to property. I cleaned a fireplace recently where raccoons had entered through the chimney and destroyed the house.

The other concern is rain and water damage. Long term exposure to moisture can cause damage to the mortar and lining system of a chimney. I've even observed stainless steel liners rust out under the wrong conditions. And this moisture won't necessarily stay confined to the chimney/fireplace. Given the right conditions it may leak into other parts of the home as well. It is highly recommended that all chimneys have a cap to prevent pests and water from entering the home.

Chimney Crowns

Having a solid, crack free, crown is essential for the life and longevity of a chimney. The crown is designed to shed water away from the brick and mortar and prevent water from leaking into the chimney. A defective, cracked, or damaged crown can allow water to leak in through the cracks and enter the home. Or if the outside temperature drops low enough, it can freeze, and cause further damage. The crown should be inspected annually and maintained properly to help prevent erosion and water damage. 

Waterproofing

Chimneys that have not been waterproofed can lead to issues like spalling as well as cracked or eroding mortar. Spalling is when pieces of the bricks begin flaking away and falling off the chimney. It is caused by water soaking into the chimney then freezing and expanding. This can also cause the mortar joints to crack and begin to separate. These cracks and gaps must be repaired to prevent more water from entering the chimney. 

Chimneys must be sealed with a solution that allows the masonry to breathe. Using the wrong sealant can trap moisture inside the chimney. This can lead to more cracking or even cause moisture to seep into the home. A properly waterproofed chimney prevents water from penetrating the masonry while still allowing it to breathe. 

Flues

Having a clean and properly maintained flue is absolutely critical for fireplaces, wood burning stoves, and other fuel-burning appliances. A damaged or worn out flue will have cracks and gaps that expand when the appliance is in use. This can result in flammable creosote building up between the flue and masonry of the chimney. In the event of a chimney fire this creosote can combust and transfer heat through the masonry to the framing elements of the home. Potentially causing a house fire. I have family members who lost their home due to heat transferring in this way.

So when should a flue be inspected? 

• Flues should be examined annually to ensure no defects are present. 

• Whenever a property with a chimney changes hands.

• And after the event of a chimney fire. 

Having the flue inspected is an absolute must for anyone who wants to use their chimney. 

Damper and Smoke Chamber

A properly working damper is important to help regulate the airflow, or draw, of a chimney. If a damper does not close properly cold downdrafts can enter the home when the fireplace is not in use. In the case of a wood stove the damper can be used to control the rate of burn. Years ago, my mom's wood stove had a chimney fire, and the single walled flue connector pipe began to glow orange. If it hadn't been for the damper we would have had no way to cut off the oxygen supply or extinguish the fire. A defective damper cannot regulate airflow the way it is designed to and should be repaired or replaced.

The smoke chamber and smoke shelf are located between the flue and the damper in a fireplace. Both need to be cleaned and swept to prevent the buildup of creosote. If enough debris settles on the smoke shelf it can prevent the damper from operating properly.

Fire box

It is important to examine the firebox for cracked or broken bricks, damaged mortar joints, or any gaps. Fire bricks are designed to insulate the appliance and help heat to dissipate properly. Any defects in the fire bricks, or the firebox, need to be addressed. Damaged bricks and mortar joints should be repaired or replaced. If the fire bricks are not maintained, they may be unable to properly insulate the appliance, and allow heat to transfer to flammable framing materials. If a fireplace, wood stove, or other fuel burning appliance is going to be operated, the firebox must be in good repair.

Hearth Extension

The hearth extension should be at least 16" from the face of the fireplace to meet the NFPA 211 standard for clearance to combustibles. If the hearth extension does not meet this criteria action should be taken to correct this issue. The purpose of the hearth extension is to protect and insulate flammable flooring materials. It is designed to catch embers or coals that may fall and prevent heat from transferring to the floor. The hearth extension must extend at least 16” from the face of the fireplace. And at least 8” on either side.