| Function:
A fireplace is typically an auxiliary
heat source with a visible open flame, designed to operate safely within a structure. What We Look At: Evidence of a
"do-it-yourself" installation. Is the fireplace safe to use?. .
.i.e., creosote
buildup in the flue, proper hearth width, clearance from combustibles, etc. Many
older fireplaces do not have proper fresh air venting used for combustion, and are thereby
notoriously inefficient. We see fewer problems with newer
free-standing sealed gas fireplaces, than with open-hearth wood-burning
fireplaces.
Typical problems we see are:
Deterioration of
the firebrick and mortar joints; build up of creosote in the chimney flue; improper
clearances from combustibles; cracked terra-cota flue liners; improper connection &
materials used for gas lines to natural gas units; etc.
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