A chimney inspection in Highland Beach with findings explained

Inspecting the hearth and hearth extension

In front of the opening, the hearth extension gives sparks and embers a surface that will not burn. We look at its material, its condition and whether it covers the floor area it should. Cracks and loose joints can let heat or embers reach material beneath.

A hearth that has been altered, covered or cut short is noted. We explain what the code expects of a hearth without quoting measurements. Any repair or rebuild is its own estimate, and we tell you whether the condition affects use now.

Inspecting before a change in how you use it

Changing how a fireplace is used can change what the chimney needs. Adding an insert, going from occasional fires to regular ones or bringing a long-closed fireplace back into service are examples. Each puts different demands on the flue and the lining.

Tell us what you plan to do. The inspection then looks at whether the existing chimney suits that use. We explain any mismatch before you buy equipment or make changes, which is cheaper than finding out afterward. If the chimney suits the plan as it is, the record says that too.

Questions to ask when booking an inspection

Asking a few questions when you book makes the inspection more useful. These help set the scope.

If the answer to any of these is unclear, ask us to explain before the visit. A clear scope at the start saves confusion at the end. It also means the written record answers the questions you actually asked.

• Which parts of the chimney will be looked at
• Whether the roof and attic will be accessed
• What happens if a part cannot be reached
• How the findings and estimate will be given

How we look at parts you cannot see

Most of an inspection relies on a strong light, a mirror where the angle allows, and access from the firebox, the roof and any attic. We also feel for loose parts and work anything that moves, such as the damper.

These methods show the surfaces that can be reached. They do not see through masonry or behind finishes. We are clear about that limit, so a finding is not stated more strongly than the evidence supports. If a finding depends on a part we could not see, the record says that too.