A5 - Inspection Report v.2_Lodge.pdf
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- Solicitation number
- 12445226Q0012
- Issued by
-
Department of Agriculture Forest Service
About this file
This is a chimney inspection report prepared by WNC Chimney Solutions for a masonry fireplace system located at a US Forestry Services facility in Tuckasegee, North Carolina. The inspection was conducted on January 12, 2026, by technician Tony Rice and covers a masonry chimney with a modular masonry fireplace located in the living room.
The inspection identifies multiple critical deficiencies that present safety and fire hazards. Key findings include major deterioration of the metal firebox (warped badly), gaps/voids/cracks in the flue, and smoke stains above the fireplace opening indicating poor draft conditions. The report notes that the system has many large missing mortar joints, which allow creosote to escape the flue and deposit in areas that cannot be cleaned, creating potential for an uncontained chimney fire if sparks are drawn through these holes. The technician recommends relining the system, which would require cutting out the metal firebox, having a mason install proper firebrick, and installing a very large liner. Positive inspection results include functional flashing, proper chimney height and clearances, functional spark screen, damper, and smoke chamber. The overall assessment concludes that the current system is a potential safety and fire hazard, with recommendations to be completed before continued use of the fireplace.
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Text version
Job #121353853
Inspection Report v.2
Customer Information Customer Name US Forestry Services
Address 4810 Charleys Creek Road, Tuckasegee, NC 28783
Customer Phone Number 8285762874
Customer Email tyler.maas@usda.gov
Date of Visit 2026-01-12
Picture of House
Technician Name Tony Rice
Chimney/Vent Location
Is the Roof/Chimney Accessible?
Yes
Type of Chimney/Vent Masonry
Is the attic accessible?
No/Not Applicable
Appliance Masonry/Modular Masonry Fireplace
Masonry Chimney Growth Masonry is porous and absorbs water naturally. This can promote growth, mold, mildew, efflorescence or discoloration on the structure.
There is no growth/discoloration visible on the structure
Condition of the Exterior Masonry Exterior masonry deterioration is usually caused by years of weather exposure or movement and could lead to interior water damage. Loose material has the potential to fall, cause a blockage or create further damage to the structural integrity of your home.
Exterior Masonry Appears to be Functional
Chimney Height According to International Residential Code, a chimney must be a minimum of 3' above the roof or 2' taller than the closest point within 10' Chimney Height is Proper
Chimney Clearances Tree limbs, woody material or other combustible materials must be 10' away from the chimney.
This can be a potential safety or fire hazard and adversely affect draft or flow.
Chimney Clearances are Proper
Flashing Flashing is necessary to prevent water from entering the home from the roof line where the chimney and roof meet. We are providing information on if the flashing meets the minimum requirements set forth by the International Residential Code. Inadequate flashing can allow leaks and water damage to the interior finishes of your home.
Flashing Appears to be Functional
Crown/Wash A crown/wash is designed to shed water away from the flue liner and the chimney. An improper crown may allow water to permeate into the attic and chimney.
Condition of Crown/wash is not Apparent
Shoulder The chimney shoulder is the section of the chimney where it begins to narrow as the masonry gets higher. A proper chimney shoulder should shed water and debris away from the structure to prevent deterioration.
Your Structure does not have Shoulders
Appliance Components Location Living Room
Heat Transfer Type Radiant
Glass Doors No Glass Doors Present
Spark Screen Spark Screen Appears to be Functional
Mantel/Trim No Mantel/Trim
Floor Protection Floor protection consists of a non combustible material at the base of the fireplace opening. This is necessary to prevent heat transfer to the surrounding combustible materials in front of the fireplace.
Hearth Extension Appears to be Proper
Smoke Stains Smoke stains may indicate a poor draft condition. Improper draft conditions can allow carbon monoxide and carcinogens such as aldehydes and phenols to enter your living space rather than escaping through the chimney.
Smoke Stains Present Above Fireplace Opening
Profile Profile Has No Visible Defects
Water Entry No Evidence of Water Entry in the Firebox
Firebox Major Deterioration of Firebox
"Metal firebox has warped badly"
Grate The grate holds the wood or media inside the firebox.
Grate Appears to be Functional Damper For safety, your damper must be opened prior to lighting a fire for proper ventilation and closed when not in use to prevent the escape of heated or cooled air.
Damper Appears to be Functional Smoke Chamber The smoke chamber is the narrowing of the system connecting the firebox to the flue. It should be parged smooth, no taller than the width of the fireplace opening and not inclined more than 45 degrees from the vertical.
Smoke Chamber Appears to be Functional Gas No
Combustion Air No Combustion Air
Ash Dump No Ash Dump
Access Door Some fireplaces have an access door around the appliance for ease of service.
No Access Door
Wood Forms Wood Forms Not Accessible
Pressure If a home has negative pressure the natural venting of the chimney is disrupted. Instead, the chimney serves as the low point of air resistance and air is pulled down the chimney. Common side effects are odor, smoke spillage and/or staining and poor indoor air quality, which may lead to or exasperate respiratory disorders.
No Pressure Issues Found at this Time
Flue The flue is a passage through which gases are conveyed from the firebox to the outer air.
Flue Has Gaps/Voids/Cracks
Cap/Termination Chimney caps/Terminations are installed at the end of the chimney/vent and protect the flue against water and wildlife as well as prevent sparks from escaping. We prefer a chimney cap that also protects the structure from excessive exposure to the elements, much like the roof does for your home.
Cap Appears to be Functional
Use of System
CURRENT SYSTEM IS A POTENTIAL SAFETY AND FIRE HAZARD
Customer Acknowledgment Before and After Sweep
Findings and Conclusions System has many LARGE missing mortar joints. This essentially acts like a hole in a straw, allowing creosote to escape the flue and deposit in areas it cannot be cleaned. If these holes were to suck up a spark, it could cause a major uncontained chimney fire. In order for us to reline the system, we will have to cut out the metal firebox, have a mason install proper firebrick, and drop a very large liner.
Technicians Signature
Homeowners Signature
Disclaimer The above list gives an indication of some items included in an inspection to the extent that they are readily accessible (visible). It should not be considered all inclusive. The evaluation does not include areas that were obstructed or inaccessible at the time of evaluation. It does not imply that the system was built to code or there are proper clearances to combustibles. This is not a certification of fire worthiness or safety. Any recommendations by the technician should be completed before continued use of appliance/fireplace. I have read this form and now understand which areas of my wood burning system appear to be satisfactory and which areas are not satisfactory. As indicated, we gave your fireplace an overall visual inspection and indicated the strengths and weaknesses observed at the time of this inspection. Since the fireplace was not in operation at the time of the inspection, fire worthiness or operation were not observed. Also, our company policy is to close the damper after the inspection or servicing, so please be aware of this BEFORE you start your next fire. Thank you for using our services, and if you have any further questions, please feel free to call or email our office.
| Job #121353853 |
| Inspection Report v.2 |
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .