Warped, Issues with prefab fireplaces. A fire danger hidden right in front of you.

Wenatchee Home Inspections

These prefab fireplaces are not your traditional site-built masonry fireplaces that most people think of when they are thinking a wood fireplace. Traditional fireplaces are heavy masonry structures with a lot of mass that can handle a lot of heat energy. They are built on a foundation to carry the weight of that structure.

Traditional Fireplace

Factory-built/prefab fireplaces are lightweight engineered products designed to work as a system with the metal fireplace box and chimney. Typically installed in a framed chase. The manufacturer will specify how the installation is to be performed and what chimney to use.

This photo the warping is subtle but the wall is warped

In this photo the warping is not so subtle

Factory-built fireplace are made from solid sheets of metal. Many of the manufacturers will have refractory panels inside. These Panels typically look like bricks and helps prevent the fire’s heat from penetrating and damaging the firebox.

Refractory Panels

From one manufacturer-

“WARNINGS: Over firing the unit may result in overheating and can damage the fireplace or/and result in fire hazards. The maximum firewood load must not exceed 4 medium sized logs (approximately 30 pounds). Open the door to reload only when the wood has been reduced to charcoal, otherwise there is a risk of smoke infiltration into the house.

• This fireplace has been designed to burn with the door closed. When the fireplace

is functional, the door should only be opened when adding more wood.  “

When buying a home or even before the winter heating season a thorough inspection of the condition of your factory built fireplace should be performed.

“An error doesn't become a mistake until you refuse to correct it.”

Orlando Aloysius Battista

NCW Home Inspections, LLC  is a Licensed Washington State Home Inspection service located in Wenatchee Washington serving Chelan County, Douglas County, Kittitas County, Okanogan County and Grant County Washington and the cities of Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Cashmere, Oroville, Cle Elum, East Wenatchee, Quincy and many more…  

Your Wenatchee and Chelan Professional Real Estate, Home and Structural Pest Inspection Service

Instructor- Fundamentals of Home Inspection-  Bellingham Technical College

WA Home Inspector Advisory Licensing Board

www.ncwhomeinspections.com                                                   509-670-9572

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If you find any errors or have additional information that would expand on any code, building standards or manufacture requirements please let me know.