[Dale W. Feb]

I wonder how many inspectors would recognize this condition. The occupants have carefully painted the veneer face. However, please inspection the interior smoke patterns of this fireplace. When this fireplace operates, equal pressure is applied as the air enters into the firebox. The smoke movement is indicated by the patterns on the right side of the firebox. Where is the remaining smoke pattern to the left of the firebox? What is the probable cause for this condition? What other conditions could contribute to this malfunction?

Just more fuel for thought

[Brad Deal]

I guess the smoke wont stick to new paint? As a home inspector I don't know if I would have caught it with being able to see the fireplace in person. Although I regularly call out smoke patterns on the brick facing. A corner unit would automatically be a alarm as they have a higher than usual smoking problem. I would have recommended further evaluation by a FIRE certified speicalist.

Brad Deal
20/20 Home Inspections

[Kevin Stewart]

I am amazed at the responsees to the poll, 32% think that the log set is the problem.
My two cents for what there worth.
Incomplete combustion due to inadiquate flow of air to the logs due to poor design of the system, from the photo's I dont see that this fireplace ever worked, the gas logs were the last attempt of a desperate homeowner to have a working fireplace, shame on the installer.

Kevin

[Bob Harper]

Kevin, the question was not what the problem was, the question was whether or not gas logs were an acceptable repair, which they never are. I don't think anyone would argue that this chimney isn't a joke. Its bad enough having a corner Fp, esp. near an entrance way or near foot traffic but to connect it to this chimney is just terrible.

OK Dale, lets take this one step further:

How would you propose to remedy this situation? total TearOut ReInstall (TORI), installation of some other type appliance? Modification of this installation?
Bob

[Dale W. Feb]

The current cross-sectional area of the chimney flue is inadequate for any open gas or solid-fuel appliance. At this point, this is a decorative fireplace with no operational value. I'm not sure I would even consider the installation of an insert. The chimney must be removed and replaced. If the chimney were removed, my recommendation would be to continue through the firebox and apply a new design.

Great place for candles or a plant.

[Bob Harper]

I have two repairs for this Fp:

First- install a gas direct vent stove. A 3" aluminum liner will fit.

Second- seal off the sides with tempered glass, fill it with water, and stock it with fish.

[Kevin Stewart]

As it is already there, lets utilize the space and save money as well, I would seal off at top of chimney and at damper then install one of those electric fireplaces.