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Chimney & Fireplaces/Want to make my never been used Fireplace work
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Question
I just bought a condo and there is a fireplace that has never been used. There is a flu that goes to the roof (I am on the top floor) and I want to make this fireplace work. Is there anyway to do so? I know no one else in the building has a working fireplace. Is this possible because I am on the top floor?
Natalie,
Congratulations on your new home purchase. I'm not sure if you have any reason to believe that the unused fireplace will not work, but I would always recommend an NFPA-211, level II inspection of this fireplace. This level of inspection is a requirement of NFPA-211 at the sale or transfer of property and if performed to completion will give you the best view of the system without being destructive.
If you have purchased in a building that has a number of non operational fireplaces, I would attend my next association meeting and see if you could get the fireplaces in all of the units inspected at the same time. Condos can be a concern particularly if there are a number of units in one common structure. If your neighbor uses their fireplace and it malfunctions, everyone in the common structure could be affected.
Good luck!
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thank you for your advice. I am going to take your suggestion and have someone do a level II inspection. | ||
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Answers by Expert:
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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