Fireplace Inspections
Protect your health and safety with a Fireplace Inspection
It is snowing here today, and my first thought was wouldn’t it be great to curl up in front of a roaring fire. Feeling the heat wash over in waves and watching the flames flicker and dance before your eyes. There is definitely a lingering romantic element surrounding a wood burning fire.
A home with a wood-burning fireplace carries with it some unique concerns that you don’t have with a more common heating system. When looking to purchase a home with a wood-burning furnace or fireplace I would recommend that you use an inspector that has some training or certification in this area. In Canada Wood Energy Technology Inc. offers training and certification to licensed home inspectors ensuring that they have adequate safety know how to ensure that you wood-burning fireplace is functioning in a safe and efficient manner.
When inspecting a wood-stove look for several of the key elements. A general look at the overall installation is necessary. The stove should be on a level surface and the stovepipe and appropriate heat shielding should be in place.
Next open the door to the fireplace. The door should secure firmly and swing without any obstructions. Behind the door lies the firebox, look for signs of damage and wear. Any damage to the lining of the firebox likely means that the fireplace needs to be replaced.
Ensure the proper stovepipe was installed. An inadequate or faulty pipe is a significant fire hazard. Also if the pipe has been improperly installed you could be leaking harmful carbon monoxide gas into the interior of your home. This is a health hazard with can result in repertory problems, or even can result in death.
Finally an inspection of the exterior chimney and liner is required. Creosote build up in the liner can increase the probability of a chimney fire. Damage to the pipe or brickwork can also reduce the efficiency of your wood-burning fireplace.
Ultimately when purchasing a home with a fireplace, it would be in your best interest to have it inspected by a reputable professional. It will ensure that your home is a safe from the hazards associated from wood heating.
