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Fireplace close to combustablesFireplace close to combustibles: The inspector will enter this item if he or she believes the fireplace, stove or chimney pipe is close enough to combustible materials to become a potential fire hazard. Each wood and coal burning apparatus comes with manufacturers specifications regarding clearances behind and around the unit as well as clearances necessary for the chimney pipe. It seems that no two have exactly the same specifications. This item is entered to inform you that in the inspectors best judgment precautions should be taken when using the fireplace or stove. Generally at least 1 " clearance should be maintained around the unit, possibly more, but some are double insulated and can be placed closer to combustibles. If modifications are necessary it may be possible to place a metal deflector shield, of sorts, between the combustible and unit. The most common offender is the freestanding ben Franklin stove placed close to a wall that has had tile or brick placed on the wall. It would seem that the tile or other noncombustible material would suffice but if heat is transferred through the material to the combustible material behind it a drying action will occur lowering the combustion point of the material. The fire potential increases with time and use of the stove. If the situation is not rectified immediately it is recommended that you at least place your hand on the surfaces surrounding the stove while in use. If the surfaces are to hot to touch, modifications may be in order. Contact a fireplace installer or chimney sweep for additional information. Firebrick mortar loose cracked damaged Manufactured fireplaces Fire chamber panel cracked damaged:
File last updated March 12, 2010 * Copyright © 2010 All rights reserved by: Accurate Inspections, Inc. A New Jersey home inspection firm 56 Woodland Drive, 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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