Chimney services in Fairfax, from the flue to the dryer vent
The work falls into three groups. The first is chimney work, which covers sweeping, creosote removal, camera inspections, cap and crown work, and masonry or leak and flashing fixes through our chimney repair service. The second is fireplace work on wood-burning units, inserts, stoves and gas fireplaces. The third is dryer vent work: cleaning, airflow testing and rerouting.
Selling a home in Fairfax: the spark arrestor requirement
In Fairfax, a single-family home listed for sale needs a Ross Valley Fire Department resale inspection, which requires a spark arrestor of heavy wire mesh (openings between 3/8 and 1/2 inch) on all chimneys and tree limbs cleared 10 feet from the chimney outlet. (Source: Ross Valley Fire Department, Residential Property Resale Inspections.)
What that requirement means at the top of your chimney
- Every chimney on the house needs a spark arrestor, not just the one serving the fireplace you use most.
- The arrestor must be heavy wire mesh, with openings between 3/8 and 1/2 inch.
- Tree limbs must be cleared 10 feet from the chimney outlet.
Many chimneys already have a cap with a screen. That doesn't settle the question by itself. What matters is whether the mesh is heavy wire, whether its openings fall in that range, and whether it is still intact. Screens can rust through, bend, or get pulled loose by animals. If the existing cap doesn't qualify, installing a chimney cap with a compliant arrestor screen is the usual fix. If the crown underneath is cracked, a new cap won't seat well until that is repaired.
Sellers who want to know where the chimney stands before listing can book a real estate chimney inspection. It covers the cap and screen along with the flue, crown and masonry. It is our own inspection and does not replace the fire department's resale inspection. It does give you time to fix problems before the fire department visits.
Don't forget the trees
The 10-foot clearance from the chimney outlet is part of the same resale inspection. Check the branches over your roof when you check the spark arrestor, so the chimney doesn't pass while overhanging limbs hold up the inspection.
Sources (1)
Facts and figures on this page come from these references.
- 1Ross Valley Fire Department - Residential Property Resale Inspections
