Chimney & Fireplaces/Masonry Fireplace

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Expert: - 11/8/2007


Question
QUESTION: Hi - I was lucky enough to buy a house with a nice masonry fireplace.  While doing some novice inspection work, I've noticed that there is no liner along the inside leading to the top of the chimney.  Is this normal?  I should mention that we have a ranch style house so the chimney is only about 15-18 feet high, and there is no "house" above the ceiling/roof line.  In other words, the chimney doesn't back up against an upstairs room, for example.  Thanks in advance!

ANSWER: Drew,

congratulations on the purchase of your new home. The fireplace is the centerpiece of any home and yours will be no exception. I would recommend you contract with a qualified inspector to perform an NFPA-211, level II inspection. This level of inspection is a requirement of our industry standard at the sale of transfer of property. A qualified inspector will be able to advise on the lack of flue lining and any other concerns that may be called out during the inspection. Not knowing your location, know that flue liners have been required by building codes from at least 1927. Even if your home predates 1927, an unlined flue is a potential fire hazard. Regardless of not having a second story, traditionally, the combustible wall and roofing material that surround even a single story flue are a great concern.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Good to know, thanks very much.  I would also like to know your thoughts on cast iron firebacks.  Do they do a good job of protecting the fireplace bricks?  I'm sure that the increase in heating efficiency is moderate to good, but I'm especially interested in reducing heat stress on the back wall of our fireplace.  Thanks again.

Answer
Drew,

I have often recommended cast iron firebacks for masonry fireplaces for the very reasons you question. Note that installing a fireback is no substitute for any needed repair, but after the repair, a fireback can not only hide any potential blemishes left by the repair but will reduce heat exposer significantly. Don't be surprised to experience a noticeable amount of heat being reflected into the living area.

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Randy Brooks

Expertise

Inspection of Masonry, Pre-cast Tilt-up, and Factory Built Fireplaces as well as Free Standing & Insert, Gas, and Wood Appliances. We also provide Hearth Fire Loss Investigations, Litigation Support, Consulting Services, Flue Sweeping, Installation and Repair. Additionally, I’ve been a chimney sweep for 23 years, service and install hearth appliances as well as being recognized by the Superior Court of California as an expert witness.

Experience

Brooks Chimney Sweeping Since 1989 Ojai, CA Owner / President www.brooks-hearth.com

Organizations
NCSG, MEMBER,(National Chimney Sweep Guild), Member since 1990, Board of Directors representing Region 6, (CA, NV, AZ, UT, OR, WA, ID, WY, MT, AK and HI,) 2004-2011, ethics committee chair, 2004-2005, executive committee member, Vice President, 2006-2008, President, 2008-2011. CSIA, BOD (Chimney Safety Institute of America,) Board of Directors, ethics committee chair, 2004-2005, executive committee member, Secretary, 2005-2006, Vice President, 2006-2008, President, 2008-2011. HPBA, MEMBER, (Hearth, Patio, & BBQ Association,) since 2002. NFPA Member, (National Fire Protection Association) Since 2009. Technical Committee member for the 211 Standard.

Education/Credentials
California State Licensed Contractor, C61-D34, #750710. http://www2.cslb.ca.gov C.S.I.A., (Chimney Safety Institute of America,) Certified Chimney Sweep, #2580. Held since 1990 re-certified in ‘93, ‘96, ‘99, ‘02, ‘05, '08,'11. http://www.csia.org F.I.R.E. (Fireplace Investigation, Research & Education Service,) Certified Inspector, #FP-006. Held since 2000, re-certified in ’03, ‘06. http://www.f-i-r-e-service.com Fireplace Investigation, Research & Education Service,) Advance Expert Consulting & Witness, certificate, ’05 N.F.I. (National Fireplace Institute,) Certified Gas & Wood-Burning Specialist, #133851. Held since 2002, re-certified in '05,‘08. http://nficertified.org

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