Expert: Paul Karthaeuser - 12/18/2011

Question
You are my last hope. I cannot find a structural engineer or a fireplace expert of any kind to look at our fireplace.

Last month, we noticed our fireplace was separating from our home (on the outside), shocking! our home is 30 yrs old,. weve lived here for 10 years. Living in arizona, we have monsoon storms,high winds, dust storms up to and exceeding 70 mph and hail.

We filed a claim on homeowner ins - but they said the damage was from 'earth movement'. Well, thats just nuts. But if we have someone more knowledgabale to check fireplace - we may have a chance to get our claim approved. Suggestions?
Then we still have to find someone reputable to do repair work,, sigh...

Answer
Sandi,

Insurance claims can be a bear! Sometimes I think the insurance companies FIRST priority is to avoid paying out, ever!

It sounds like yours is trying to suggest "settling" of the ground/house?  Or are they suggesting earthquake movement?  

There are so many questions to ask you and of course, this is something that cannot be diagnosed over the computer.

The best thing you can do is have a Certified Fireplace and Chimney Inspector inspect the chimney system completely. Based on the description of the problem I would suggest starting with a Level II inspection.  I say starting there because Level II is the minimum inspection that may cover the need and reveal the source of the problem.  In a nutshell, Level II inspection is basement to chimney top, inside and out.  It's a very thorough inspection and what I use and is indicated for real estate transactions, court cases, lightning strikes and earthquake damages.  Finding a Certified Fireplace and Chimney Inspector in your area may be problematic being that there is no requirement in our profession for any type of certifications.  There are several certifications that can be obtained regarding chimneys and hearth products but not many people seek out the education due to lack of commitment, interest or costs associated but nevertheless the place to check is with is the F.I.R.E. Service  www.f-i-r-e-service.com/   .  It stands for fireplace investigation research and education.  They are the only agency educating and certifying individuals in chimney inspection specifically.  Also, there is an organization, to which I belong, of fireplace and chimney inspectors which may also be able to help you locate someone in your area.  That organization is IAFCI- International Association of Fireplace and Chimney Inspectors.  www.membersiafci.org/  Neither is good about answering their web email so I would suggest calling them to find someone in your area.


Unfortunately, you are right...finding a reputable company for the repairs is another story altogether.  We have a real problem in this profession with that, especially in my area.  This profession is fraught with scammers and if you don't do your homework you will be a victim too.  Check credentials, qualifications, applicable licenses, insurance and ask for references-speak to previous customers of theirs.  Ask to see pictures of their work.  

If all else fails you can cover my travel, hotel and food and I'll fly out and inspect it for you.