home  - smoking problems? -  request an inspection - request for designs - chimneyjack email
Real Estate Contractors
Member:
Los Angeles, CA




maintenance

safety

 

FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1982 / Lic# 684343 BONDED AND INSURED


Chimney Safety

As a homeowner, a real estate agent, or a home inspector, here are some things to look for - that indicate an immediately need for chimney inspection:



Situations that call for an immediate inspection:

The fireplace has never been used.  The most common reason is a venting problem. 

Cracks in the chimney.

Cracks that go all the way around the chimney, particularly at the roof line.

Bricks that have moved out of place, especially if the mortar around it is disturbed.

Fresh stucco or newly paint; these can be cover hidden problems.

If there is no cap or there is a brand new cap on any chimney built before 1940,
it should be inspected.

Smoke stains on the facing or front of the fireplace.

Fresh paint on the face to cover the smoke stains

Any signs of new brick or new grouting/mortar which indicates a touch up.

No spark arrestor or rain cap (single most important thing you can do for your fireplace).

New cap placement without written report to go along with cap.