Real Estate Topics Forum :: View topic - non-venting gas logs in blocked off fireplace

Tim G · Guest

I have a dilemma - while doing a listing inspection, I discovered that the elderly gent that is selling has installed non-venting gas logs in a wood-burning masonry fireplace. While checking the damper, I found that the damper had been removed. When I inquired as to the damper, He told be it broke 5 years ago, so he filled 6" of the chimney flue at the roof with concrete, and installed the gas log unit. When I was up on the roof, Sure enough, flue was plugged.

I am just not sure how to, or what to report on this one - any Ideas?

Tim Gardner

Jeff Pope · Guest

I'm sure there are several ways you could report it but the bottom line is - it's wrong PLUS it's a safety hazard.

The by product of the natural gas is carbon monoxide. If it's not venting to the exterior, then where is is going?

This is why we check for a damper spacer when a gas log is placed into a fireplace. That flue needs to remain opened.
--
Jeff Pope
JPI Home Inspection Service
"At JPI, we'll help you look better"
661.212.0738

J Haggarty · Guest

Timothy:

My recommendation would be to call for a:

"Level II Inspection of the fireplace and chimney by a CSIA Certified Inspector/Sweep prior to closing."

For justification, refer to:

http://www.csia.org/home/inspections-three-levels.htm

For a Level II Inspection, you describe at least 2 of the 4 conditions warranting that recommendation. This follows and complies with the NFPA Standard.
--
Joseph Hagarty

HouseMaster / Main Line, PA
joseph.hagarty@housemaster.com
www.householdinspector.com

Phone: 610-399-9864
Fax : 610-399-9865

J Farsetta · Guest

Actually, here in NY (you may not know this, Igor) having a Level II inspection prior to closing is on the books as law, though never enforced. It is believed to cause an undue financial burden on the seller or buyer prior to sale or purchase.

In every report, regardless of the chimneys condition, I always insert this paragraph, regardless of the type or quantities of chimneys. This goes in each portion of the report which references a chimney.

Quote:
" It is impossible for Inspector to determine with any degree of certainty whether all flues are free of defects. In accordance with recommendations made by the National Fire Prevention Association to have all chimneys inspected before buying or selling a home, the clients should consider having a C S I A, or equivalently certified chimney sweep, conduct a Level II inspection of all chimney flues prior to closing."

In most cases, we cannot see much of the flue. If chimney caps are installed, I do not remove them and peer down the chimney. On steel firebox fireplaces, I cannot see the steel smoke shelf, and determine with any degree of certainty whether it is rusted or not. I try and cover the bases, and my a$$ at the same time. Face it, there is much more within the workings of a fireplace or funace/boiler chimney or flue than we can possibly see...

Last winter, I inspected a home where there was a foot of snow on the roof. It has a metal chimney venting the heating system. I recommended the buyer have the chimney inspected by a certified sweep prior to closing. I received a call in the spring from an angry client. Seems that there was a hole in the chimney, just above the roofing tiles, about the size of a dime (allegedly). They wanted to know what I was going to do about it. I stated in the report that due to the presence of snow on the roof, it was unsafe to walk, and that it and all related components of the inspection were specifically excluded from the report, other than what could actually be seen. I also asked them if they had read the report prior to closing, and had the recommended inspection performed. Because the law was on the books, and I recommended a Level II inspection be performed prior to closing, there was no wiggle room. That little paragraph helped save me...

As to the sealed chimney flue referenced at the beginning of this thread, call it out.
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Joe Farsetta
Advanced Professional Services Group, Inc.
Pearl River, NY

T G · Guest

Joe, I used your quote and added a list of the CSIA guys in the area as an addendum.

I called one of the csia guys for his opinion - He said one of the problems with the current setup this guy has is condensation in ythe chimney - It will break down the clay tile liner. He said he will inspect the chimney for free - I can guess why!

tg

Erby · Guest

Here's what I tell them:

=======================
A thorough interior examination of the chimney and flue is beyond the scope of a normal home inspection. This report identifies and comments on those items that were able to be inspected. It further identifies those areas that were not readily accessible for inspection such as a complete view of the chimney and flue interior.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and B4U Close Home Inspections, recommend that each chimney receive a Level II inspection by a chimney sweep certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) www.csia.org, each time a residence is sold.
=========================
--
Erby Crofutt
B4U Close Home Inspections
Georgetown, Kentucky
www.b4uclose.com