Phase I Fireplace and Chimney Inspection Report

Client:

_____________________________________________________________________

 

Location of fireplace and chimney:

 _____________________________________________________________________

 

This inspection was performed in substantial compliance with InterNACHI’s Phase I Standards of Practice for Inspecting Fireplaces and Chimneys.  It exceeds what is required by InterNACHI-CCPIA’s ComSOP and InterNACHI's Residential Standards of Practice. The inspection shall include examination of readily accessible and visible portions of solid fuel-burning, low-heat fireplaces and chimneys.  The inspection is not all-inclusive or technically exhaustive.  The goal of this inspection is to provide observations which may lead to the decrease of the hazards associated with fireplaces and chimneys.

___The inspector noted solid fuel-burning appliances or fireplaces located where gasoline or other flammable vapors or gases were present.

 

___The inspector noted unused openings in chimneys or flues.

 

___The inspector noted missing smoke detectors. A smoke detector should be installed in the same room as the fireplace.

 

___The inspector noted missing carbon-monoxide detectors.  A carbon-monoxide detector should be installed in the same room as the fireplace.

 

___ The inspector noted a combustible lintel over the fireplace opening.

 

___The inspector noted combustible material within 6 inches above the fireplace opening that projected out less than 1½ inches from the face of the fireplace.

 

___The inspector noted combustible material within 12 inches above the fireplace opening that projected out more than 1½ inches from the face of the fireplace.

 

___The inspector noted the throat or damper was located less than 8 inches above the fireplace opening.

 

___The inspector noted that the manually operated damper did not operate or close properly.

 

___The inspector noted that the damper or damper components had rust or corrosion.

 

___The inspector noted that the hearth extension had a thickness of less than 2 inches.

 

___The inspector noted that the hearth extension was less than 16 inches in front of or less than 8 inches beyond each side of the opening (fireplace opening less than 6 square feet).

 

___The inspector noted that the hearth extension was less than 20 inches in front of or less than 12 inches beyond each side of the opening (fireplace openings 6 square feet or greater).

 

___The inspector noted hearths, hearth extensions or chambers that had joint separation, damage or deterioration.

 

___The inspector noted single-wall metal chimneys in one- or two-family dwellings.  Single-wall metal chimneys should not be used in one- and two-family dwellings.

 

___The inspector noted wall protectors (heat shields) with less than 1-inch air gaps.

 

___The inspector noted an exposed interior single-wall metal chimney that was not continuously enclosed where it extended through closets, storage areas, or habitable spaces, or where the surface of the chimney could come into contact with combustible materials or people.

 

___The inspector noted an interior single-wall metal chimney less than 18 inches from a wood-frame wall or combustible material.

 

___The inspector noted an interior single-wall metal chimney 18 inches or under in diameter less than 2 inches from a non-combustible wall.

 

___The inspector noted an interior single-wall metal chimney over 18 inches in diameter less than 4 inches from a non-combustible wall.

 

___The inspector noted that the distance between an exterior-mounted, single-wall metal chimney was less than 2 feet from a door, window or walkway.

 

___The inspector noted that the distance between an exterior-mounted, single-wall metal chimney was less than 18 inches from a wood-frame wall or combustible material.

 

___The inspector noted that the distance between an exterior-mounted, single-wall metal chimney 18 inches or under in diameter was less than 2 inches from a non-combustible wall.

 

___The inspector noted that the distance between an exterior-mounted, single-wall metal chimney over 18 inches in diameter was less than 4 inches from a non-combustible wall.

 

___The inspector noted a missing ventilating thimble where a chimney passed through a combustible roof.

 

___The inspector noted a chimney that terminated less than 3 feet above the highest point where it passed through a roof surface.

 

___The inspector noted a chimney that terminated less than 2 feet above a portion of a building (ridge, wall or parapet) within 10 feet.

 

___The inspector noted a chimney that terminated less than 3 feet from an adjacent building or building opening.

 

___The inspector noted a chimney that terminated less than 10 feet above grade or a walkway.

 

___The inspector noted a chimney outlet that jeopardized people, overheated combustible structures, or that might cause flue gases to enter nearby building openings.

 

___The inspector noted the slope of a crown of a masonry chimney that directed water into the flue.

 

___The inspector noted galvanized flues or connectors.  Flues and connectors should not be galvanized.

 

___The inspector noted a rusted or corroded flue.

 

___The inspector noted a masonry chimney that was not lined. All masonry chimneys should be lined.

 

___The inspector noted a lining that didn't extend the entire length of the chimney to a level of 2 inches or more above the crown, splay or wash.

 

___The inspector noted a liner that was visibly softened, cracked, deteriorated or damaged.

 

___The inspector noted a liner that had excessive accumulation of creosote, soot, or other combustible material.

 

___The inspector noted a flue that had two or more openings at the same level.

 

___The inspector noted an appliance venting into the space around and between liners.  The remaining space surrounding a chimney liner should not be used as a vent.

 

___The inspector noted that the size of the flue was too small relative to the size of the fireplace opening. This relationship is the most important factor in achieving sufficient draft.  A flue that is too small relative to the fireplace opening will be unable to lift and remove hazardous flue gases to the outside.

 

___The inspector noted a connector from a solid fuel-burning appliance that had a rise to the chimney of less than ¼-inch per foot.

 

___The inspector noted a connector that was not as short or straight as practicable.

 

___The inspector noted a connector that was covered with insulation.

 

___The inspector noted a connector of a natural-draft appliance connected to the positive pressure-side of a mechanical draft system.

 

___The inspector noted a larger connector entering the flue above a smaller connector.

 

___The inspector noted a cleanout door or frame that was not made of metal, pre-cast cement, or other non-combustible material.

 

___The inspector noted combustible materials projecting beyond the face of the chimney that were within 18 inches of a cleanout opening.

 

___The inspector noted combustible materials stored within 18 inches of a cleanout door.

 

___The inspector noted a cleanout door that was obstructed or did not close tightly.

 

___The inspector noted that the height of an interior cleanout’s lower edge was less than 16 inches above the lowest accessible floor level.

 

___The inspector noted that the height of an exterior cleanout’s lower edge was less than 16 inches above grade.

 

___The inspector noted that the base of a chimney flue was not between 6 and 12 inches below the bottom edge of its cleanout opening. 

 

This inspection was performed by: _________________________ 

 

Signature: ____________________________________________ 

 

Date: ____________________