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Ash clean-out door opening damaged blocked missing home inspectorsAsh clean-out door opening damaged blocked missing : Ash clean-out doors are located below the fire box floor sometimes in basements or under the building. Usually they are located outside at ground level. The opening is located in the fire box floor and is where ashes are ordinarily dumped down into the ash catch area to be cleaned out later through the ash clean-out door. If either of these devices are damaged or inoperable it may be necessary to clean the ashes out with a scoop and bucket. Actually, most people clean ashes out with scoops anyway the doors and openings too often rust shut or are damaged. Nevertheless, the inspector will note this item if problems are noted with the ash door or ash drop opening because of the possibility of fire spreading down through the ash holding area into the under-floor area or to grass or debris near the chimney base. Repairs are easy if you can find replacement parts. Some are available at fireplace supply outlets and some chimney sweep companies have replacements. If none are available at least install a piece of heavy sheet metal over the opening. A blocked ash door may include one that has been covered over with concrete from the installation of a patio or walk. In cases such as this it may be necessary to resort to the scoop and bucket it being unlikely you would want to chisel out the concrete. Damper inoperative open and gas log installed Creosote buildup in the chimney Unlined or damaged liners within chimneys
File last updated May 21, 2012 * Copyright © 2012 All rights reserved by: Accurate Inspections, Inc. A New Jersey home inspection firm 56 Woodland Drive, Woodland Park (formerly West Paterson) NJ 07424 973-812-5100 providing New Jersey Certified Home Inspections in NJ, by New Jersey Licensed home inspectors. Inspector of record Michael Del Greco, New Jersey Home Inspector License GI 0121.
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