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Misconceptions - Wood Burning Fireplace.

By
Home Inspector with Home Inspection and Investor Services, Clayton

Just last week I was in a home with a wood burning fireplace (according to the listing). I took one look at it and decided that it would make a good photo for a blog.  There was a fireplace and at one time they had burned something in it.

MW-Dayton

All things considered I don't think I'd want to put a fire in there.  Of course, I included in my report that the fireplace should not be used until a qualified chimney expert inspected it.  Don't take for granted anything in your home. 

Jack Gilleland

Home Inspection Services, Clayton

Comments (15)

Alan May
Jameson Sotheby's International Realty - Evanston, IL
Home is where the hearth is.

This could be a simple case of the homeowner having failed to open the flue... (while I agree it should be looked at by a qualified "chimney person"... it might not mean that it's not working just fine).

May 17, 2010 09:13 AM
Robert Rauf
CMG Home Loans - Toms River, NJ

Jack, I am pretty sure that the black on the bricks is not paint!  Either their is no flue or it isnt drawing properly!

May 17, 2010 09:13 AM
Lenn Harley
Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate - Leesburg, VA
Real Estate Broker - Virginia & Maryland

Alan is right.  I see nothing wrong.  If I were a buyer, I'd want it inspected and possible a chimneysweep visit. 

Otherwise, that's just a closed flue.  I bet the smoke alarm went off too.

May 17, 2010 09:16 AM
Jack Gilleland
Home Inspection and Investor Services, Clayton - Clayton, OH

I was enough to scare me into thinking that it had happened more than once. And the flue was closed, but no way to tell that it had been that way when the fire was burning.

 

May 17, 2010 09:36 AM
Jay Markanich
Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC - Bristow, VA
Home Inspector - servicing all Northern Virginia

That kind of darkening did not happen in one or two fires!  That needs some serious checking out.  Notice that the repair on the upper left (mantle holder) is not as dark.  So this problem has been around.  Again, that needs some serious checking out!

May 17, 2010 12:36 PM
Not a real person
San Diego, CA

That's more than just a closed flue because, as Jay says, that did not happen in just one or two fires, or even three or four.

If the fire is too big for the fireplace and chimney, then it won't draft properly. Just because you have a fireplace doesn't mean you can have bonfires in it!

May 18, 2010 05:19 AM
Jack Gilleland
Home Inspection and Investor Services, Clayton - Clayton, OH

Jay and Russel thanks for confirming what I initially believed. 

May 18, 2010 09:39 AM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

Jack and Izzy - The photo illustration adds new dimension to wanting a "rip roaring fire."  I think it is always a good idea to have a chimney inspection, with sweeping performed. 

May 18, 2010 02:53 PM
Jack Gilleland
Home Inspection and Investor Services, Clayton - Clayton, OH

Myrl, Chimney Inspections are important for a safe house. Nice to see you again.

 

May 19, 2010 06:10 AM
Valerie Osterhoudt
Johnson Real Estate, Inc. - Cromwell, CT
ABR, Cromwell, CT Real Estate ~ 860.883.8889

Jack.. I see where some have mentioned that it is probably the neglect of the owner opeing the flue.  What I'd like to know is why they haven't cleaned this before showing the property.

May 23, 2010 12:44 PM
Jack Gilleland
Home Inspection and Investor Services, Clayton - Clayton, OH

Hi Valerie, it was vacant. I guess the bank didn't want to spend the bucks.

May 24, 2010 05:45 AM
Jim Frimmer
HomeSmart Realty West - San Diego, CA
Realtor & CDPE, Mission Valley specialist

The question might be just exactly what did they burn in it. Did someone had a huge bonfire to celebrate something?

May 29, 2010 04:01 PM
Jack Gilleland
Home Inspection and Investor Services, Clayton - Clayton, OH

Jim, so many times I've thought about what happened in one house one house or another.  If walls could only talk.

May 31, 2010 04:21 AM
Aaron Silverman
SuccessfulRental.com, Bluewater Property Management, LLC and Lowcountry Turnkey Properties, LLC - Charleston, SC
Improving Real Estate Experience through Education

I am not sure if the fireplace is the proper place to store fire wood. ha

Aaron

Jun 02, 2010 05:45 AM
Jack Gilleland
Home Inspection and Investor Services, Clayton - Clayton, OH

Aaron,  you might be right.   HAHA

 

Jun 03, 2010 06:47 AM