The inspection · Section 16 of 16
Chimneys, flues and vents, fireboxes, dampers, hearths, clean-outs and the fuel shut-offs that serve them.
What I inspect
Examined means I looked at it closely, and the report notes anything I couldn’t reach. Tested means I ran it, using the home’s own controls.
What gets flagged
Comments pulled straight from my reports, with addresses removed. Repairs are flagged in red, just like in the report. Written for a buyer, not a lawyer.
There was some general cracking to the mortar on the brick chimney. Recommend repairs via qualified mason/chimney contractor to limit further deterioration from moisture intrusion and freeze/thaw cycle.
The front south side chimney was missing a proper rain cap to limit moisture/animal intrusion issues. Recommend repair via qualified chimney contractor to limit potential damages. Note, both chimneys appear to no longer be in use (verify with the seller). Recommend they both be capped for added protection.
The chimney was missing a proper metal flue liner (should have a liner installed for the gas burning water heater and furnace flue). Recommend repair via qualified chimney contractor for safety.
There was efflorescence/moisture damage at the base of the chimney in the basement indicative of moisture intrusion issues related to the chimney on the roof, also there were gaps where the water heater flue enters the chimney in the basement potentially allowing exhaust gases into the home. Recommend repairs via qualified chimney contractor for safety. Note there was no access to visually inspect the chimney flue, thus was unable to verify if the chimney had a proper metal flue liner (should have a liner for the water heater flue, if liner is missing, then there will be additional costs for repairs).
The metal exhaust flue on the roof for the furnace had moderate corrosion/rusting. Recommend replacement via qualified HVAC contractor as needed to limit potential future moisture intrusion issues and damages.
There were gaps where the furnace and water heater flues enter the chimney in the basement laundry room potentially allowing exhaust gases into the home. Recommend repairs (areas properly sealed) via qualified chimney contractor for safety.
The chimney was missing a proper rain & spark arrester cap to limit potential moisture/animal intrusion issues and embers from escaping the wood burning fireplace. Recommend repair via qualified chimney contractor. Note it is also highly recommended to have the flue inspected at the same time to determine if there are any damages from moisture intrusion issues (limited access, flues were not inspected).
The brick on the chimneys had cracking/spalling to the brick & mortar, also the concrete caps on the chimneys had cracks potentially allowing moisture intrusion. Recommend repairs via qualified chimney contractor to limit further potential damages from moisture intrusion and freeze/thaw cycle. The flues should be inspected at the same time for safety and to determine if there are any damages from moisture intrusion issues (limited access, flues were not inspected).
The brick chimney had moderate to severe deterioration/damage (cracking mortar joints, cracks & gaps in the cap and the flue was corroded). Recommend further evaluation via qualified chimney contractor to determine scope of repairs needed.
The rear brick chimney was missing a proper rain cap and chimney cap to limit potential moisture/animal intrusion issues and damages. Recommend repairs via qualified chimney contractor (a proper chimney cap and rain cap should be installed). Note, there was no access to visually inspect the chimney flue, thus was unable to verify if the chimney had a proper metal flue liner (should have a liner for the furnace & water heater flue, if liner is missing, then there will be additional costs for repairs).
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