Chimneys are an important part of your WETT Certified Inspection

Your chimney masonry is appears to be quite durable, and in fact is often seen as indestructible, this is not true for chimneys. The brick on the exterior of your house receives protection from the overhanging eave, the chimney is left exposed to every raindrop and damage caused by the freeze/thaw cycles. A quality chimney cover, keeping the crown in good repair, and a waterproofing treatment, are great ways to avoid expensive repairs or rebuilding. Older homes are especially vunerable to damage from water intrusion.

If you have any doubts call your local WETT Certified Inspector

• All masonry chimneys must be lined with a flue liner.
• Flue walls (not liners) must be grouted smooth and solid, with walls no less than 4 inches.
• Grout should not bond with the flue liner. This allows for movement of the flue liner during thermal expansion.
• Concrete, metal, or stone caps should be added to masonry chimneys.

Some signs of a potential problem with your wood burning equipment can be any of the following:

• Smoke stains on the face of the fireplace
• Loose brick in the firebox
• Damper problems
• Holes or fractures in the chimney structure
• No rain cap
• Improper installation of the stove or flue pipe (clearances)
• Smoke spillage in the living space or downstairs space

Heating with wood is one of today’s best options for economical, environmentally-friendly heating options.  Rural properties are commonly using wood heat to supplement expensive propane or oil heat.  Outside boilers are also becoming more popular as an alternate heating strategy.  Some wood boilers only have to be loaded twice a day in the winter and are capable of heating the home and providing hot water

The chimney cap below has visible cracking in concrete top.  This is old style of chimney cap and is not permitted on new installations. One piece pre-formed caps or cast in place caps are now required.  A drip edge is also required to be installed to prevent moisture from following cap and attacking brick below.

Also a rain cap should be installed on open flue to prevent snow and water entry which will eventually damage interior flue joints and eventually the brick shell.

Many home owners never go up on the roof, especially seniors, so while looking good from the ground your chimney cap could be in terrible condition which can lead to expensive repair.

Fireplace Inserts – Any fireplace insert is now required to have a stainless steel liner.  You can buy these kits at Home Depot, Lowes and Home Hardware.  They include the insert connection, continuous stainless steel liner and cap.

Stainless Steel Chimneys – There are various manufactures that make a Listed Stainless Steel chimney system.  It is important to remember that you cannot mix and match different manufactures products to achieve the results you want.  One example is 45 degree angle bracket made by some companies which some home owners think is to help them direct chimney around soffit.  Think again, if you read the installation instructions carefully this is specifically prohibited by some manufactures.  I can not stress the importance of reading installation instructions prior to buying product.