Inspecting Fireplaces and Woodstoves
Fireplaces and Woodstoves; Fire in the House!
Course Outline
By
Casey O’Malley Associates
Course description:
This two-hour session will cover fireplaces and woodstoves in an easy to understand format. Seasoned inspectors typically know the basic items to look for; but did you ever wonder; what actually are the specific components names and functions? What can be done to reduce wood stove clearances to combustibles? Additionally, we will discuss modalities and evidences of failures and/or improper installations and review many actual case studies. Our emphasis will be the fundamentals of inspection standards of practice with respect to solid fuel devices, and we will delve into improper modifications and common failures with respect to improper use, damage and just plain stupid installations.
Goal:
Upon completion of this class, students will be more knowledgeable regarding the installation, inspection and evaluation of fireplaces and wood stoves and the various related systems and components with application to residential inspection. Students will also be more knowledgeable regarding the appropriate conditions observed that warrant recommendation of further analysis.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of the course students will be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of:
- Nomenclature specific to masonry and factory built fireplace and woodstove installations and their relation to Home Inspection
- Identify Components and proper installation with respect to fireplace systems
- Identify Modalities and evidences of failure; installation, weathering and mechanical related
- Common “defects” and recognition/reporting
Books and Handouts:
PowerPoint Presentation
Abstract:
The fireplace and chimney assembly is a significant component to any home – it controls a fire in your house! Its proper performance contributes significantly to the home in several ways, not the least of which is aesthetics. This 2 hr course will address several common, and many, not so common, defects found in chimneys and fireplaces inspected across the country. Everything from weather related defects, to the most insane installations will be brought to the big screen for your education.
Class Schedule
Timing: 2 hours
Class Presentation: Powerpoint presentation by Michael Casey and Michael Nelson
Timed Outline:
- Welcome and Program Overview 10 mins.
- Improper Modifications 30 mins.
- Change of usage, characteristics 30 mins.
- Improper Installation – Clearance reductions 20 mins.
- Improper usage 20 mins.
- Overview Q & A 10 mins.
Instructor, Michael Nelson Bio:
Qualified By: Current Certifications listed below as well as:
ICC, IRC, IBC Certified Building Inspector
New York State Certified Combination Inspector
F.I.R.E. Certified Inspector
Mike is employed by the Village of Macedon, NY as the Chief Building Official, and the Town of Macedon, NY as a code enforcement officer. Mr. Nelson is in charge of the Zoning departments for both municipalities, and also performs code inspections, plan reviews etc. Mike is the former supervising Instructor in the Kaplan Professional School (Inspection Training Associates) in Rochester NY., where he administered and was an instructor in the Inspection Training programs for 3 years 2007 - 2009.
.pdf version
