Originally Posted by
Jeff Eastman
Thanks everyone for your comments.
This is an one year old home.
Scott,
Why would you not recommend replacing the fireplace? One of the components (see picutre is rusting) as well as the warranty will be voided.
As I said, I (Me) just don't see it as that big of an issue. I would report that according to the manufacturer this is an indoor fireplace, and the patio installation is outdoors and this will most likely void the warranty. The rusting will happen on an indoor fireplace as well, H20 is produced during the combustion process. I really doubt that the FP in your picture has seen any measurable amount of rain hitting it since it was installed.
From a logical view: So we have a voided warranty, what does this mean? It means that the manufacturer will have nothing to do with the product if it fails. How often do we see units like this fail? Not very often, most of the time FP problems go back to the installation.
If you want to recommend that it is replaced that is your privilege, and I'm sure many home inspectors would do the same. But, whatever you do PLEASE do not Recommend Further Evaluation.