Fireplaces and Chimneys

Photographs of fireplaces and chimneys found during home inspections.

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Back to the contents page for the home inspection photos

missing saddle on chimney
This
chimney looks fine, but there is a problem. There should be a little
bump in the roof to divert water to each side of the chimney. This
bump is called either a cricket or a saddle. Here pine needles are
starting to collect behind the chimney.

chimney
The
chimney has a flue coming out of the top with a device, a spark
arrester, is placed on top of it. The cement around the flue is built
up to shed water down the sides of the chimney.

the fireplace vent
This type of vent is used in place of a chimney. This unit was not near to any windows, which can be a problem. I have also seen them under covered patios, where creosote can collect on the ceiling. My only issue with this one is that the metal parts of the vent can become quite hot when the firplace is in use. Some units will have a mesh cage over this vent to prevent someone from accidentally bumping into it.

traditional fireplace
Traditional
fireplace where meals could have been cooked, but the kitchen for
this historic home is out back.

fireplace hearth
You
can see that the firebox is kept well away from the walls, and if you
look at the bottom you will see that a brick base extends into the
room. This is called the hearth, and it is meant to help protect the
wood floor from burning embers.