First my apologies to Charles Dickens for a not well altered title of his classic book, but a good title as well as a good tome is timeless. Chimneys, specifically brick chimneys are very common on Connecticut houses, as I would imagine they are around this country. Inspecting a chimney requires more than just a look from the ground. So often the problems are hidden by the height and angle. Issues that the best binoculars or cameras will not see. Further it is hard to look at the flue from any other spot than at the top of the chimney.

A new crown and cap on a Connecticut chimneyThe other day highlighted two interesting aspects of two different chimneys of two different ages with two distinctly different issues on two different homes. The first chimney was on a beautifully maintained property that I had inspected in March. The buyers had asked me to return and re-inspect repairs done based on the home inspection report by contractors the seller hired. Several repairs were to do with the chimney.

Ascending the two story roof, I made my way to the "repaired" chimney. The chimney crown had been in deteriorated condition back in March, with repairs recommended. To the sellers credit, he commissioned a new crown to be built. Unfortunately he hired a general contractor, not a chimney specialist.

The new crown was very poorly constructed. Numerous cracks were present through out the new mortar, a sure sign of amateur, inexperienced work. The best part was the crown had a very noticeable negative pitch and divot to collect water around the flues. Finally the contractor installed a single chimney cap on the center flue. Notice where the little metal roof will drain some of the water. Directly down the adjacent flue and onto the gas fireplace below.Deteriorated flue liner on a Connecticut chimney as seen from the roof

The second chimney was a small single flue type for the heating and hot water systems in this not so well maintained house. All looked fairly good from the ground, but again ascending the roof, I could see the condition of the crown and flue lining. I think the photo speaks for itself. This chimney will need to be relined and the crown rebuilt.

A side note on the small chimney, the cleanout was under a porch and inaccessible. The only way the damage to the flue liner could have been seen was from above on the roof.

While conditions may appear good from the ground, there is no substitute for an up close and personal encounter to get the hard facts.

 

James Quarello
Connecticut Home Inspector
Former SNEC-ASHI President
NRSB #8SS0022
JRV Home Inspection Services, LLC

ASHI Certified Inspector

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19 Comments on A Tale of Two Chimney's

MAY
10
2012
649,696 Points 16 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Good morning James. You always point out interesting and important facts about homes and operating systems. This post is of particular intertest to me as I am in the process of buying myself.
4:20am • #1
282,737 Points 11 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

JQ, it's always interesting how many cleanouts, for whatever system; chimney, sewer, etc, are inaccesible. Who designs these places?

My husband has decided to get certified as a Home inspector, so I've sent him the link to your blog to get some great info on alot of things!
6:38am • #2
905,602 Points 93 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

It's reasons like this that I am adamant about my home buyers having a professional home inspection performed. Job well done my friend.
6:48am • #3
917,907 Points 179 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Jim we are rapidly approaching a time when we will only be seeing chimneys in museum installations.  I for one won't miss them.
11:57am • #4

I wonder if the owner asked for a re-fund or that the general contractor hire a chimney specialist.
2:05pm • #5
478,958 Points 15 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

JIm -- NOTHING replaces getting up close and personal. Good job....as usual!
5:02pm • #6
938,723 Points 52 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Fireplaces and chimneys are one of those areas in some homes, which can be overlooked.  I remember one home that had undergone extensive renovation and showed really well. . .But a closer look by a home inspector, disclosed serious issues with the chimney.
7:01pm • #7
227,118 Points 86 Featured Posts

Chimney just can't be fully inspected from the ground!  You gotta get up there.
7:17pm • #8
1,914,851 Points 386 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

James, I've had two recent sales with chimney issues, and now I've found out that my own house has them.  Maybe it was the earthquake.
7:30pm • #9
780,962 Points 97 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Chimneys seems to be a source of many problems James, maybe a new trouble-free design will be necessary. In many areas of California, you can not use your chimney because of air quality issues. the fireplace may be eliminated in the future.
8:37pm • #10
475,352 Points 12 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I just had a sale with a disclosed chimney issue that was not repairable.  The Seller was fortunate to find a Buyer who did not care about the chimney issue.  That was a miracle!
9:49pm • #11
MAY
11
2012
977,390 Points 352 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Arent' you supposed to begin, "It was the best of chimneys.  It was the worst of chimneys..."?

The most important thing a roof does is divert rain water, ideally away from the house.  What better place for some of that water than down a convenient hole?  This guy is a thinker!
3:12am • #12
1,141,654 Points 154 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

LOL on Jay's comment.  yes, what was the guy thinking.  You're right - not only do you need to get up close and personal, but for items like this, you really need a specialist.
3:21am • #13
106,329 Points Called Shot Master

It seems that many home inspectors do not give the chimney and good look...just a quick flashlight up the flu ..it is pretty hard to inspect one with out going on the roof...
5:24am • #14
731,668 Points 15 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

James, not only do you need a professional to assess the problem like yourself, but a professional to do the repair.
6:12am • #15
300,008 Points 7 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Hi James, how sad that he hired an unqualified person and that the contractor did a poor job. I hope he can get a refund.
9:09am • #16
293,498 Points 66 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Jim, That is the truth. You just will not see the goodies unless you get up there.  I think it maybe inherent  that chimneys are not in good shape. They are hard to maintain.
8:58pm • #17
MAY
13
2012
568,210 Points 140 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Shelia, I hope this post gives you a few questions to ask your inspector of choice. 

Peg, People often don't realize the importance of these components. Your husband must crazy to want to be a home inspector :) I'm kidding of course. That's great. 

Craig, Your a wise man indeed, even if your hockey team allegiance is questionable :)

Charlie, I so agree. They really have outlived their usefulness. 

Jenny, Time will tell. 

Barbara, That is true of so many things, is it not?

Myrl, Yes I agree it is a component that often gets overlooked. 

Reuben, Yep!

Pat, Could have been or they were already there and were made apparent by the shaking ground. 
4:04am • #18
568,210 Points 140 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Tom, I really do not see a need for masonry chimneys in this day and age. Heating appliances are all able to be directly vented, fireplaces as well. Those that require a chimney can be vented with a metal type. 

Sharon, Not repairable? Or not worth repairing. 

Jay, I didn't wish to plagiarize any more than I had ;) A thinker, yes that is one way of describing him. 

Debbie, Yes, Jay is quite the comedian :) I always recommend a chimney specialist for chimney work and you can see why. 

Edward, Yes it is. I tell potential clients going on the roof is not just to check the shingles. 

Michael, It would seem a logical progression.

Sandy, I hope so as well. The sellers intentions were completely good. The house is immaculately maintained. 

Don, Yes they are. I see so many with issues. 
4:13am • #19


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