Can A Rampart General Fireplace Be Repaired

pre-cast chimney on roof

Here is a quote from a property inspection written report done by a belongings inspection company last week on a abode in Lake Forest:

"Pre-cast physical chimneys were built in factories and then trucked to a site and erected, as distinct from masonry chimneys that are congenital on site with individual bricks and mortar. In this respect, pre-bandage chimneys are unique. Notwithstanding, like all masonry chimneys, they are vulnerable to seismic activeness, but dissimilar masonry chimneys they are as well subject to cracks that are induced by the interaction of moisture and a chemical additive that causes the reinforcing steel within the chimney to expand and crevice the chimney walls. Such cracks can be minor, simply they are nonetheless field of study to stringent repair methods. Withal, if any fissure penetrates the chimney wall it may be difficult to repair the chimney without costly repairs or replacement or possibly relining the chimney. For this reason, we recommend that all pre-cast chimneys be further inspected/video scanned or certified by a specialist before shut of escrow."

We went out and did a video inspection on the chimney described in the above report. Unfortunately, in that location were a number of large cracks in the flue as well equally 1 in the breast plate in the firebox. The repair judge was $5,000. If yous are a heir-apparent's broker, please make certain you ask for a video inspection of the chimney.

Two weeks ago, we were called to audit a 1989 belongings in Trabuco Canyon. Information technology besides had a pre-cast chimney, and it also had meaning large cracks. The repair gauge was $2500. Fortunately for this homeowner, there was not a crack in the breast plate which would take made the chimney unrepairable (teardown). The new homeowner said the seller "refused" to have the fireplace inspected.

We accuse $169 for video inspections. I think that is a pocket-size investment to avoid a possible $20,000+ teardown and rebuild of the fireplace. I don't think many buyers would be happy to find out later on they closed escrow that the inspection visitor had failed to warn them about this possible hazard.

Likewise it existence a costly repair, even more important is the fact that if the new possessor decides to accept a fire in the fireplace, he/she may burn downwards their house.

You tin identify these pre-cast chimneys which are located in developments throughout California, in homes constructed betwixt 1968-1991 because the chimneys, in most cases, will wait like an off-white colored brick was used. This is not painted but the color of the calcium aluminate cement. Also, they will unremarkably be located on an exterior wall of the habitation, and typically the chimney appears to be very narrow above the wider shoulders of the chimney, and information technology is much narrower than a masonry chimney. Many of the pre-bandage chimneys in Orange County were manufactured by Rampart General.