Inspections

Testing Procedures
The Fireplace and Chimney Inspection that is provided to you is primarily visual and limited to aspects of safety that are mostly not concealed from view. Our company also incorporates a method of testing chimneys for structural stability that includes a "push test". This test involves placing our hands upon the chimney and exerting approximately 60 lbs of lateral force on the chimney at a distance of approximately 4 feet above the roofline. This amount of force is less than one fifth of the force that a typical masonry chimney built to the minimum standards of the Uniform Building Code is expected to withstand without damage. This push test is not sufficient to damage a compliant masonry chimney and is primarily used to assist in detecting chimney damage at the roof, which can be concealed from view by the metal flashings. Damage in this area may be extremely hazardous both from the affects of fire and structural failure. Codes requiring chimneys to be constructed with reinforcing steel were adopted by most jurisdictions in 1969 and chimneys built after this time are presumed to meet these minimum requirements. The same push test is used to expose existing damage to masonry chimneys built prior to 1969. Significant loss of strength may occur in the mortar due to age, lack of reinforcing steel and grout, and poor quality control of mortar mixes. These items may contribute to the structural damage of a chimney thus, it is unreasonable to consider that the minimal lateral force in the push test will cause damage to a sound masonry chimney.

In order for a chimney to be considered "safe for use", it is expected to withstand the forces of a chimney fire or code level earthquake. If the push results in any visual damage to the chimney it will be considered unsafe for use and so noted in our report.

Care will also be taken not to damage any portion of a fireplace during the inspection, however, our company will not accept any responsibility for damage to the fireplace or chimney that may occur using the above prescribed method of inspection.

What do we look for?
In the lower firebox area we look for any types of voids (Cracks), or holes that water may be able to come through and damage your house, ultimately helping to prevent interior rot and dangerous mold issues. We also check the rear and side walls of your firebox to make sure they are structurally sound and do not seem to be hollow. The damper is checked to make sure it is in good working condition. We check to see if there is gas in the fireplace, and if it is present it is checked to ensure proper installation and function. On the upper portion of the chimney inspection, we first check the chimney structure itself to make sure it is strong and sound, or if it is faulty and needs repair. This is done by doing what is referred to in the industry as a "push test" on the chimney which is explained on our Testing Procedures page of the website. We also check for cracked or broken flu tiles in the chimney system which must also be replaced or repaired to prevent damage to the house. We always make sure that your chimney has a Spark Arrester, also known as a rain cap, which helps prevent your roof from catching fire and your chimney from rotting due to excessive moisture. We also check for any signs of chimney fire damage, cracks or voids on the exterior of the chimney, which in most cases we can repair quite easily.

How long does it take?
Inspection times tend to vary, depending on how many chimneys you have in your home. Usually, if there is one chimney in your house, your house is one story, and there is no need for cleaning, the inspection can usually be done in less than a half hour. On the other hand, if you have a two story home with 3-4 chimneys you can approximate an additional fifteen minutes per chimney. If your chimneys need a cleaning, plan an additional half hour for each chimney.