ChimneyScan

How often do you view staining at the top of the chimney? In the ChimneyScan course, we will provide the reasoning for this type of staining so that you can provide a professional opinion on why this occurs.

In the ChimneyScan course, you will learn the tell-tale signs of interior issues and how you can provide an analytical opinion based on the exterior condition of the chimney.

A hairline crack in a clay flue lining may appear to be an issue, but when the chimney is in use, these small cracks vary greatly in size and compromise the performance of the system—presenting a potential hazard to the property and the occupants. In the ChimneyScan course, you will learn the thermal dynamics of the clay tile when it is heated during the use of the chimney.

Fracturing of a clay tile can occur from many causes. Our course will detail the actual cause of cracks from thermal and other causes.

Many masonry chimneys contain areas where the mortar is missing between the bricks. The ChimneyScan course will provide you an understanding of why this is an issue of safety, maintenance, and performance.

Many fireplaces and chimneys have areas such as this where there is potential leakage and where combustion products are a hazard. ChimneyScan will give you the needed training to note not only these issues but also the process of how to repair.

Just another fireplace, but if you look closely you will see where it is spilling flue gases into the living quarters. The ChimneyScan course will teach you the signs you need to be aware of to spot performance issues that can also be safety issues.

A typical example of mortar missing between flue tiles at the join. The ChimneyScan course will teach you the ways to spot these issues.

The smoke chamber is the area between the fireplace throat/damper. Modern codes and standards require this to be parged smooth for performance and safety. Our course will share with you the ways to spot these issues.

The chimney should be topped with a crown; however, many have only a crown wash. This often leads to water entry that will damage the interior chimney components. The ChimneyScan course will teach you the results of an improperly installed crown.

A masonry chimney should have a properly flashing, counter flashing, and other needs to protect it from the elements. The ChimneyScan course will share with you the requirements to have a chimney that is not affected by the elements.

Water entry that leads to premature chimney deterioration will often be found in the fireplace. Understanding how water is one of the most damaging effects on a masonry chimney is a part of the ChimneyScan course.

Many homes have fireplaces and appliances that are vented through a factory-built chimney system. The ChimneyScan course will cover factory-built fireplaces and chimneys to assist you in building your skills as an inspector.

In the ChimneyScan course, learn why this is not a good combination: a factory-built chimney system that has a concrete crown wash (likely there is interior deterioration).