Evaluating Factory-Built Fireplace Systems

The home inspection process for prefabricated fireplace systems deviates slightly from the inspection process for brick fireplace units, but only slightly. The exterior of prefabricated chimney buildings is often finished with siding, stucco, or ornamental veneer (exterior). Facings made of tile, marble, or ornamental materials are commonly used on the inner side of fireplaces.

Home inspectors will typically note the following things as items that need additional inquiry on factory-built units:

-Rusty cover for the chase (or metal roof)
-Broken dampers
-Improper doors or screens
-The Accumulation of Creosote
-Nesting detritus

When looking at a report’s checklist, it can appear that everything was looked into, however this is not the case. Unfortunately, the areas of your system that are inaccessible need to be checked as well. In order to ascertain what actions you should do next, my recommendation is that you consult with your inspector and inquire about every aspect of the report.

BEFORE You Invest Your Money in a House
A sensible homeowner will want to invest in a fireplace that is both practical and secure. Especially if you want to use it to burn wood or gas for the purpose of providing heat, comfort, or even if you just want to feel the pleasure of an ambient fire. Even if you have no intention of ever using the fireplace for burning (either wood or gas), you will still want to ensure that the equipment is in good structural shape overall. This guarantees that your system is impervious to water, free from significant damage, and requires little to no maintenance. Which helps maintain the value of your property up when it comes time to sell it. If you ever want to put your house up for sale, you should have a Certified Sweep carry out a Level 2 Inspection before you do so.

The Experience of Being a Homeowner
When we speak to consumers who have recently acquired a house, one of the comments that we frequently hear is, “Well, the home inspector stated I simply needed a cleaning…” The next question that students ask is, “Can I do it by myself?” Although it is true that they frequently require a complete sweeping, we do not encourage taking a do-it-yourself method. And the fact that we demand an examination before a cleaning is something that generally comes as a surprise to many. (This is the industry standard, and you should expect it to be followed by all Certified Professionals).

In the interest of ensuring your safety as a homeowner
If you are in the process of selecting a chimney business and come across someone that provides cleaning services without first doing an inspection, you should investigate their credentials to see whether or not they are in fact certified. You may find a qualified chimney sweep in your area by searching the CSIA website.

Before a dirty chimney can be inspected thoroughly, it has to be cleaned first. It is essential to conduct a video scan of the internal flue liner. A camera is mounted on a set of rods, and then those rods are fed up via the chimney. checking each joint to make sure there aren’t any spaces or holes in between them. Examining the flue tile, which is comprised of masonry pieces, or the stainless inner pipe, which is comprised of prefabricated components, for flaws such as cracks, dents, and blockages, among other things.

Each examination provides our technician with a different and one-of-a-kind narrative. How it was used, whether or not it was maintained, whether or not it was built appropriately, whether or not there are concealed combustibles that have warped as a result of heat exposure, and occasionally we can detect whether the chimney has been damaged by a flue fire.

All these reminders are best practiced when you are also assured of having a reliable company at your side. Contact Local Chimney Sweep Cleaning today for Chimney Cleaning Stonyford and repairing.

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