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Fireplace insert into chimney (C) Carson Dunlop Associates Inaccessible Chimney Flue at Fireplace Inserts

Inaccessible or blocked-off fireplace & chimney inspection:

Inaccessible chimneys & flues: this article describes the blocking of ready access to an existing fireplace and chimney flue when a "zero clearance" or other woodstove or heating appliance is inserted into a fireplace. Because the condition of an inaccessible flue is unknown, and because possibly dangerous fire or carbon monoxide hazards could be present, we offer advice on further inspection and cleaning.

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Inaccessible Connections Between Fireplace or Woodstove Insert & the Chimney Flue

Fireplace insert into chimney (C) Carson Dunlop Associates

These articles on chimneys and chimney safety provide detailed suggestions describing how to perform a thorough visual inspection of chimneys for safety and other defects.

Chimney inspection methods and chimney repair methods are also discussed.

[Click to enlarge any image]

Carson Dunlop Associates [at REVIEWERS] sketch explains that a home inspector is not required to inspect the connections between a fireplace insert (such as a woodstove or coal stove inserted into a fireplace) and the chimney. Our page top sketch of a typical fireplace insert is also provided courtesy of Carson Dunlop Associates & Associates.

In fact it is just about impossible to see the condition of these components and their connections unless the insert is removed or inspected from above using a chimney inspection camera system.

If a woodstove/free-standing fireplace like this were to be used it would probably require at least three feet of clearance from combustibles.

Local codes and fire regulations need to be consulted, and in most jurisdictions, a building permit and safety inspection are required for the installation of a woodstove or similar device.

See WOOD STOVE OPERATION & SAFETY for important details and also

see CHIMNEY SAFETY ALERT for Wood Burning Appliances - US CPSC Alert Document 5017, wood stoves, fireplace. More help with inspecting chimney flue interiors can be found in the articles listed below.


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Continue reading at CHIMNEY FLUE INSPECTION CAMERA or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

Or see these

Recommended Articles

Suggested citation for this web page

INACCESSIBLE CONNECTIONS FIREPLACE, WOODSTOVE at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.


Or see this

INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to CHIMNEYS & FLUES

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