Los Angeles Fireplace Inspections

Certified Technicians For Safety Fireplace Inspections

Having a fireplace in your home is a wonderful luxury which provides both aesthetic value and warmth. In addition to being a wonderful interior focus, fireplaces are an excellent way to add a sense of comfort to your property. However, fireplaces must be adequately maintained by a Los Angeles masonry contractor to ensure that they are not a potential safety hazard to you or your family. Older fireplaces are especially important to be inspected or upgraded, as they can release a significant amount of particle pollution.

Contact Boston Brick & Stone, Inc. today at (626) 296-7700 to make an appointment for a fireplace inspection.

What Is Included In A Fireplace Inspection & Report?

During our fireplace inspection, we incorporate a 12-point checklist to ensure that all areas are properly inspected. We are specifically looking for safety hazards, as well as structural or operational problems. If we suspect that the way the fireplace was installed does not meet manufacturer instructions or building code requirements, we may recommend structural repairs or restoration.

Our Inspection & Report Will Include:

• Whether the fireplace is safe to use
• If there are any structural issues
• Whether any repairs need to be made
• If there is an unsafe buildup of creosote

A Note About Gas Log Fireplaces

Gas logs are a popular appliance in homes all across Los Angeles. Thanks to our milder weather, many people don’t use their fireplace all that much during the winter, which means a low-maintenance gas fireplace is usually preferred.

While these gas log setups are not usually the cause of house fires in low-use applications, they can and do create a serious risk for carbon monoxide poisoning in your home, which is a huge health and safety risk. A gas log set that isn’t functioning properly can prevent the gas from burning off or venting correctly, resulting in carbon monoxide in your home. If you have a gas system, you should have it inspected frequently to make sure that any and all dangerous carbon monoxide emissions are eliminated through proper burning and venting. Gas log sets can and do cause house fires when they are operated in unsafe fireplace and chimney systems. The law requires the fireplace damper (if so equipped) to be locked in the open position when a gas appliance is installed in the fireplace. The Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2010 requires any room that houses a fireplace of any kind to have an audible carbon monoxide alarm in that same room.

The Importance Of Regular Fireplace Inspections

Boston Brick & Stone, Inc. recommend that you have your fireplace inspected by a Los Angeles masonry contractor from our team every year. Whether you are a property manager or homeowner, these regular inspections will give you the peace of mind you need to know your fireplace is safe. We also offer fireplace inspections for real estate transactions, such as the buying and selling of new property, as well as for real estate escrows.

With more than 25 years of experience serving Pasadena and the greater Los Angeles area, our family-owned business has the training and skill you need on your side. If during our inspection we spot an issue within your fireplace, we can offer a solution.

5 Signs You Need A Fireplace Inspection

1. The presence of water - Regardless of if the water is on your floor or fireplace walls, you're going to need to consult our Los Angeles fireplace inspection professionals because it means there is a leak in your chimney.

2. Smells that are off - If there has been a lot of soot build-up in your flue then you could be experiencing some off-putting smells when a fire is lit. Make sure you know that creosote is pretty flammable so this is a strong indication of the need for a fireplace inspection pronto.

3. Smoke going the wrong way - If there are issues with your draft, then your flue is going to need to be inspected by our Los Angeles fireplace inspection technicians.

4. Deformed masonry - Look out for for any cracking or crumbling to your fireplace's interior or exterior masonry. The structure as a whole depends on each and every part so your entire chimney is in danger if there're any deformities.

5. Discoloration in your fireplace - Because there could be an excess of water, mold, rust or soot you can get different color stains on your fireplace and chimney. The stains can be removed, but unless you get at the root of the problem then they will return.