Does This Look Done By Someone With A Mechanical License? A permit?

When I see things like this I have to ask myself - Does this look done by someone with a mechanical license?  A permit?

In Virginia, installed chimney connections are to be done by licensed people.  Virginia even provides that the person have a mechanical license.

And why not?  Chimneys are very important!  Chimneys contain and exhaust dangerous heat and gases!   The word dangerous is just that.  Danger should be treated carefully.

So, when I saw this, I had to ask myself if it looks professional.

What do you think?

Does it look professional?

The tape is a nice idea, but I especially like the use of the drywall screws.

They have not been there very long because there is no rusting.

Drywall screws rust quickly, but especially when they are used with certain metals.

I admit that I don't know exactly what things are supposed  to look like when done in accordance to proper installation techniques.   I am not familiar with every manufactured device or connection.

But I know when things don't look right.

Usually the code refers installations like this to the manufacturer's instructions.  The code is a minimal standard and does not always involve specifics.  It simply can't.

So I looked it up when I got home.  The International Mechanical Code, 2009, subscribed to by Virginia, says things like this:

• 801.10.1  Closure and access.  A noncombustible seal shall be provided below the point of connection to prevent entry of room air into the flue.  Means shall be provided for access into the flue for inspection and cleaning.
• 801.10.2  Connection to factory built fireplace flue.  An appliance shall not be connected to a flue unless the appliance is specifically listed for such installation.  The connection shall be made in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instruction.
• 801.10.3  Connection to masonry fireplace flue.   The connector shall be provided with access or shall be removable for inspections and cleaning of both the connector and the flue.  Listed  direct connection devices shall be installed in accordance with their listing.

Looking at the photo above, what do you think?

And I had to peruse 149 pages of code to find that information! 

My recommendation:  if it looks amateur, it probably is.  If it looks done by someone other than a trade professional, it probably is.  If a home inspector notices a mess like what is pictured in the photo above, he will report it.  The recommendation to have a professional examine it also and make necessary repairs cannot be overemphasized!