Chimney and Flue Condition: Checking the interior and exterior of the chimney for any visible damage, such as cracks, blockages, or structural weaknesses. Firebox Inspection: Assessing the firebox for cracks, wear, or any other issues that might compromise its structural integrity. Surround and Hearth Check: Ensuring the hearth and fireplace surround are in good condition and meet safety standards. Ventilation Inspection: Checking that the fireplace is properly ventilated and that air circulation is adequate to ensure safety and efficient burning.
2. Chimney and Flue Assessment
Smoke Test: Conducting a smoke test to check the functionality of the chimney and flue, ensuring proper draft and no leakage of smoke into living areas. Flue Liner Check: Inspecting the flue liner to ensure it’s intact and functional. If it’s damaged or missing, it can affect safety and efficiency. Blockage Detection: Identifying any blockages such as bird nests, debris, or excessive creosote build-up inside the chimney, which could pose a fire hazard.
3. Safety and Compliance Evaluation
Compliance with Building Regulations: Ensuring the fireplace and chimney meet local building regulations, including clearances from combustibles, chimney height, and structural integrity. Fireplace Dimensions: Measuring the fireplace opening, flue size, and hearth dimensions to confirm they meet safety standards. Gas Safety (for gas fireplaces): Ensuring that gas appliances are installed correctly and safely, with proper ventilation and no leaks.
4. Structural Assessment
Chimney Stack Condition: Evaluating the external chimney stack for signs of weathering, cracks, or leaning, which could indicate structural issues. Dampness or Water Ingress: Checking for signs of dampness or water ingress, especially around the chimney breast and the flue, which could indicate leaks or poor insulation. Support and Stability: Ensuring that the chimney breast and other structural elements related to the fireplace are sound and secure.
5. Functionality Testing
Damper and Flue Operation: Testing the damper to ensure it opens and closes smoothly, controlling airflow efficiently. Heat Output Evaluation: For gas or electric fireplaces, checking the heat output and functionality to ensure it meets performance standards. Draft Test: Measuring the draft to ensure proper airflow, which affects how well the fireplace burns fuel and removes smoke.
6. Condition of Components
Chimney Cap Inspection: Checking the chimney cap for damage or wear, ensuring it protects the chimney from rain, animals, and debris. Grates, Doors, and Surrounds: Inspecting the condition of grates, glass doors, and surrounds for signs of rust, wear, or damage. Fuel Storage and Venting: For wood-burning fireplaces, reviewing the fuel storage setup to ensure it’s stored safely and efficiently.
7. Identification of Potential Repairs
Repair Recommendations: Highlighting any areas that need repairs, such as cracks in the masonry, flue liner replacements, or installation of a chimney cap. Restoration Needs: If the fireplace is old or historical, the survey may include recommendations for restoration to maintain both function and aesthetics.
8. Efficiency and Usability
Energy Efficiency Check: Evaluating how efficient the fireplace is in terms of heat output and energy consumption, especially for gas and electric units. Recommendations for Upgrades: Suggesting possible upgrades, such as installing a more efficient flue liner, adding a wood burner, or improving insulation for better heat retention.
9. Documentation and Report
Survey Report: Providing a detailed report outlining the condition of the fireplace, including any issues found, compliance with safety standards, and recommendations for repairs or improvements. Photos and Evidence: Often, photos of the chimney and fireplace are included to visually document the condition and highlight problem areas. Estimates for Work: In some cases, the survey report may also include cost estimates for any necessary repairs or upgrades.
10. Recommendations for Future Use
Maintenance Advice: Offering advice on how to maintain the fireplace, such as cleaning schedules and regular chimney sweeps to prevent future issues. Upgrading and Safety Tips: Providing suggestions for improving safety, such as installing carbon monoxide detectors or upgrading to a more energy-efficient model.
What Fireplace Servicing Includes?
1. Inspection
Chimney and Flue Check: Ensures the chimney is clear of blockages (e.g., bird nests, debris) and that the flue is functioning properly. Structural Check: Inspection of the firebox, hearth, and surrounding materials to ensure there are no cracks or signs of damage. Ventilation Check: Ensures proper airflow, checking for any blockages that could impact the efficiency or safety of the fireplace.
2. Cleaning
Chimney Sweep: Removal of soot, creosote build-up, and debris from the chimney, essential for wood-burning fireplaces. Firebox Cleaning: Removing ash and debris from the firebox in wood or multi-fuel fireplaces. Glass Cleaning: Cleaning the glass door to remove soot or residue build-up. Grate and Surroundings: Cleaning the grate and fireplace surroundings of soot and ash.
3. Safety Checks
Carbon Monoxide Testing: Checking for any carbon monoxide leaks, especially for gas and wood-burning fireplaces. Gas Leak Testing (for gas fireplaces): Ensuring there are no leaks in gas lines or fittings. Pilot Light and Ignition Inspection: Testing the pilot light, thermocouple, and ignition system in gas fireplaces. Safety Device Testing: Checking safety devices such as carbon monoxide detectors or automatic shut-off features in gas fireplaces.
4. Component Inspections
Gaskets and Seals: Inspecting the gaskets and seals around doors or other components to ensure they are airtight. Fireplace Dampers: Ensuring the damper operates smoothly, which helps control airflow and prevents heat loss when the fireplace is not in use. Burners and Logs (for gas fireplaces): Inspecting and cleaning gas burners, artificial logs, or fire stones.
5. Efficiency Check
Draft and Airflow Testing: Ensures the fireplace drafts correctly, helping it burn efficiently and safely. Heat Output Assessment: Ensuring that the fireplace is providing sufficient heat based on its type and size.
6. Repairs or Replacements (if necessary)
Replacement of Worn Parts: Identifying and replacing any damaged or worn-out components, such as gas valves, thermocouples, or gaskets. Chimney Cap Repair: Repair or replace chimney caps if they are damaged or missing.
7. Certification and Documentation
Compliance Check: Ensuring the fireplace meets local building codes and safety regulations. Service Report: A detailed report of the inspection and any repairs, along with recommended maintenance.
What's included with Fireplace Installations
1. Initial Assessment
Site Inspection: Assessing space, ventilation, and safety requirements. Consultation: Discussing style, type, and custom features. Building Code: Discussing style, type, and custom features.
2. Preparing the Installation Site
Chimney/Venting: Assessing space, ventilation, and safety requirements. Framing: Reinforcing structures for safety. Clearances: Ensuring proper distances from combustible materials.
3. Fireplace Unit Installation
Positioning: Placing and securing the fireplace. Gas/Electric Setup: Connecting gas lines or electrical components.
4. Ventilation and Flue Installation*
Flue Setup: Installing chimney liners or direct vent systems for safe exhaust.
5. Testing and Safety Checks
Gas Leak Test: Checking for leaks. Ignition & Airflow: Testing ignition systems and chimney drafts. Safety Devices: Installing detectors and shut-off systems.
6. Surround and Finishing Work
Hearth & Mantel: Installing hearth, mantels, and decorative surrounds. Doors & Screens: Adding protective doors and screens.
7. Final Inspection and Certification
Code Inspection: Ensuring compliance with building regulations. Customer Walkthrough: Demonstrating fireplace operation and maintenance.
8. Clean Up and Post Installation Support*
Debris Removal: Cleaning the site. Warranty & Maintenance: Providing warranty and maintenance guidance.
