Foreclosure Home Inspection - Chimney Inspection
Inspection of chimney condition
This chimney is in really poor condition. Flashing is almost gone and resulted in water leak. Shingles between the chimney and the gutter are uneven all the way.
These two chimneys have structural problems. Cap is missing on the right chimney. Notice that the flashing of the chimney on the left is missing and does not go under the shingles. Roof surface is uneven on both sides of the chimney and damaged shingles at the far right.
This chimney poses great risk as it may fall down during a storm. See how the bricks were separated at the upper part and patched with cement.
Inspection of chimney material: -- Brick -- Concrete -- Stone.
These brick chimneys are covered with caps. Notice that the chimney on the left does not have a base at the top and has metal flashing while the chimney on the right does not have a flashing and cement seal does not provide a good protection against water. This uneven roof on the right belongs to a house located in the north.
Most pre-fabricated chimneys are made of metal or asbestos-cement material.
Chimney on the right has crooked cap providing no protection against rain or snow. Notice the electric wire touching the roof.
Inspection of chimney flashing
Is there any water leak on the ceiling under chimney area? This is a very common area for water penetration.
Any asphalt cement around the chimney rather than flashing? -- No -- Yes --> Perhaps, homeowner tried to repair the leaking chimney. This area needs to be sealed again in few years.
Inspection of structural chimney problems
Chimneys settle. Cracks may occur if such settlement is excessive.
Do you see a noticeable deviation of chimney structure? Is it perfectly vertical? -- Yes -- No --> Chimney may collapse anytime, serious structural problem.
Are mortar joints even? -- Yes -- No
Any cracks or missing bricks? -- Yes -- No. (Mortar joint types: concave [more durable]
Dish antenna attached to the chimney. This is not acceptable. See the crack under the chimney and another crack on the right side. Was it the weight of the bird that caused the cracking?
Is there any antenna attached to the chimney? -- No -- Yes --> This is a common practice, and it may cause deviation of chimney or damage to its structure.
Is flashing (including the cricket/saddle) loose? -- No -- Yes --> Water will not flow around the chimney and may penetrate through the roof.
Is the top of chimney at least three feet high above the flat roof and two feet above the ridge of a pitched roof? -- Yes -- No --> Correction is required. This is an industry standard. If not corrected, expect downdraft and back-smoking problems during wind.
Does chimney have flue liners against corrosive gases? -- Yes -- No --> Installation is needed.
Any cracked, loose, or missing bricks? -- No -- Yes --> Seal, replace.
If chimney is made of metal, is there any corrosion or rust at the corners and connections? -- No -- Yes --> Replace.
No problem: The white mineral deposits (efflorescence) on the bricks are not a major concern. It happens on new bricks and when moisture accumulates. Make sure that the cap on the chimney is intact.