Masonry Fireplace Inspection

If you are considering installing a solid fuel stove or insert into an existing fireplace, the entire system should be carefully inspected for condition and code compliance. Older fireplaces and chimneys may not have been constructed to current-day codes, and in many contemporary houses, masons did not follow code criteria. Improper clearances between flue liner and chimney, lack of refractory cement between tile liners, and lack of proper clearances between chimney and combustibles are frequently observed.

Since each masonry chimney is custom built and may have an unknown history of use, assessing its suitability and condition can be an important part of planning and installation of the woodburning appliance. Inspection of the chimney may be a routine process for properly built and maintained chimneys, or it may be a difficult and complex procedure involving judgment about concealed areas. The National Fireplace Institute details three levels of inspections:

1. Level 1: Limited in scope to readily accessible areas of the chimney, structure, and flue. Used when the appliance connected to the chimney is replaced with one of similar type, input rating, and efficiency. Inspection is for obstructions or combustible deposits (creosote) in the flue.
2. Level 2: Used when the appliance being connected is dissimilar in type or input to the original one. For example, when a stove or fireplace insert is to be installed. Also used prior to relining the chimney. Level 2 inspections include all accessible interior and exterior portions of the chimney, including attics, crawl spaces, and basements. Accessible is defined as being exposed for inspection without damage to the chimney or building, but which may involve removing doors, panels, or coverings with commonly available tools. The scope of the inspection adds proper construction and condition of accessible portions of the chimney, proper clearances to combustibles in accessible areas, and the size and suitability of the chimney flues for connected appliances.
3. Level 3: Called for when a hazard is detected or suspected as a result of Level 1 or 2 inpsections and cannot be properly evaluated without access to concealed areas. Level 3 may call for removal of components of the buildling or chimney to gain access to concealed areas significant to the inspection. Level 3 inspections certainly should be conducted only by qualified personnel. If inspection is not feasible, it is best to assume the presence of combustibles and the lack of proper clearances. Relining materials tested for such situations are available. The fireplace and chimney should be in, or brought up to, acceptable condition and proper clearances should be met before connecting a solid fule appliance to the fireplace chimney. If proper clearances cannot be met, installation of a listed liner according to manufacturer's instructions is necessary for safety considerations.