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 Lintel face material mantle crackedLintel face material mantle cracked sags Loose smoked: this item is entered when the inspector notes a significant crack at the wall and face-material juncture or if the mantle is loose or damaged. It will also be entered if the inspector notes the lintel, or fire box opening support has been damaged or is sagging. When stone or brick is applied to existing walls the use of wall ties is always required. Installed properly, and on solid footing, face-material usually will not pull away from the wall. The proper application of face material (such as tile or stone) around a manufactured fireplace is important. A gap allowed between the face material and the fire box sheet metal face may allow excessive heat to rise into the chimney chase. Wood framing members directly above the fire box sheet metal can be overheated to the extent of ignition if the gap is excessive. Any gaps should be sealed with grout or caulk. The inspector will try to determine the cause of the problem and the narratives should explain. If not too severe, repairs should be easy and may only require caulking, however, it may be necessary to lag-bolt the face to the building wall or chimney face. Contact a masonry contractor for an additional opinion and assistance if desired. The lintel is a heavy piece of metal which supports the bricks or stone over the fireplace opening. The weakest point in the fireplace is below the mantle (if there is one) and above the lintel. It's not surprising to find a zigzag crack running from the lintel to the mantle area, growing thinner as it rises. It usually means that the lintel is weak from rust or was too small when installed. Patching the crack with mortar will hide the problem but will not stop it from continuing on. Usually no danger exists from this problem. Call a masonry contractor or a fireplace service company to determine costs to replace, and their predictions if the lintel is not replaced. If the face material is smoked there may be insufficient chimney draw. However, at one time someone may have lit a fire in the fireplace without opening the damper and smoked the face. The inspector cannot ascertain whether the chimney draws well without lighting a fire in the fire box. The inspector is not allowed to light solid fuel fires. You are advised to ask the seller of the property about this particular aspect of the property. Fireplace screen door damaged missing Blower inoperative noisy Log set lighter valve burner damaged
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