When I see things like this I have to ask myself - Does this look done by someone with a mechanical license? A permit?
In Virginia, installed chimney connections are to be done by licensed people. Virginia even provides that the person have a mechanical license.
And why not? Chimneys are very important! Chimneys contain and exhaust dangerous heat and gases! The word dangerous is just that. Danger should be treated carefully.
So, when I saw this, I had to ask myself if it looks professional.
What do you think?
Does it look professional?
The tape is a nice idea, but I especially like the use of the drywall screws.
They have not been there very long because there is no rusting.
Drywall screws rust quickly, but especially when they are used with certain metals.
I admit that I don't know exactly what things are supposed to look like when done in accordance to proper installation techniques. I am not familiar with every manufactured device or connection.
But I know when things don't look right.
Usually the code refers installations like this to the manufacturer's instructions. The code is a minimal standard and does not always involve specifics. It simply can't.
So I looked it up when I got home. The International Mechanical Code, 2009, subscribed to by Virginia, says things like this:
- 801.10.1 Closure and access. A noncombustible seal shall be provided below the point of connection to prevent entry of room air into the flue. Means shall be provided for access into the flue for inspection and cleaning.
- 801.10.2 Connection to factory built fireplace flue. An appliance shall not be connected to a flue unless the appliance is specifically listed for such installation. The connection shall be made in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instruction.
- 801.10.3 Connection to masonry fireplace flue. The connector shall be provided with access or shall be removable for inspections and cleaning of both the connector and the flue. Listed direct connection devices shall be installed in accordance with their listing.
Looking at the photo above, what do you think?
And I had to peruse 149 pages of code to find that information!
My recommendation: if it looks amateur, it probably is. If it looks done by someone other than a trade professional, it probably is. If a home inspector notices a mess like what is pictured in the photo above, he will report it. The recommendation to have a professional examine it also and make necessary repairs cannot be overemphasized!
Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC 
Based in Bristow, serving all of Northern Virginia.
Office (703) 330-6388 Cell (703) 585-7560
Oh gee whiz Jay... a little creative use of recycled screws and right away you think there may be a problem....it's why they call them "handy"....they think of different ways to use materials !
Creative use for sure S&D! Let's see what I have on the truck. And get rid of some of this stuff...
Good Monday morning Jay. Where did they get their license? A Cracker Jack box?
And you would have a problem with that Michael?
Cracker Jack has been around for a long time.
No, I like Cracker Jacks. At one time, being a Cracker Jack was a good thing. How do you think I got my TN home inspectors license?
Yes, that doesn't look so good. I bet you were laughing and shaking your head when you saw this.
Good morning Jay. When I opened this I saw the picture and thought what in the world is that. I read your post and even I knew before reading it there was something wrong.
Jay, seems like there are a lot of do-it-yourselfers in your area! Enjoy your day!
Good morning Jay,
Hopefully they have the insurance to cover the disaster waiting to happen.
Make yourself a great day.
Jay Markanich No doubt that your keen eye uncovered a tragedy in the making. As we always tell our buyers,"Get a home inspection regardless of what a seller tells you!".
I was kidding Michael. My minor league coach (I was a pitcher) called me a "cracker jack."
Debbie - it's this kind of thing you want the buyer to see and understand!
James - this was a joke. The photo doesn't lie!
Wayne - this guy could have been a "professional" they found at the 7-11 parking lot.
Raymond - hopefully this was totally reworked before my client moved in!
S&N - this did not look very old, so perhaps the seller did it just to sell the house.
What a beauty! So you don't think that is a non combustable seal? You should drive down to the 7-11... I mean the sub contractors office and ask him/them... what the hell is that?
Speaking Spanish as I do, Fred, I would probably understand the answer.
Other "professionals," from other nationalities, hang out at other places.
I don't care what state you are in, there is no way that job is going to meet code.
And you are probably right Stephen!