Jeff,
Gambling is not for everyone. You should be recommending further evaluation by a F.I.R.E. Certified Fireplace & Chimney Inspector.

The big problem with this exterior application is the premature failure of the product. Not being exposed direct to rain is not the issue. It is exposed to the elements and the moisture in the air. I don’t think that Scott understand how much rain and moisture we can get in the high deserts. We have to ask ourselves, if this system fails, what is the risk to the occupants? If our client chooses not to act on our information, we can call it a suicide. If we make a mistake and a structure fire results, they may call it criminal negligents. Doing what the real estate agents want, might even be considered a conspiracy. Doing what is right for your client is called professional.

The gap between the black face of the fireplace and the veneer appears larger than ¼”. If this is accurate, then caulking is not recommended. Any gap over ¼” needs a backing material to maintain its integrity.

What really concerns me is the question that has not been raised. Was there combustible material located behind the veneer? This veneer appears to be man-made. This means that there is a framed backing material. The backing will be wood or steel. Which one is it? If it is wood, then it is in direct contact with the black face of the fireplace. No combustible material is allowed in contact with this black face. There are two actions of heat transfer in this application. There is conduction of heat from the black face to the framing and there is radiant heat exposure to the veneer, which then conducts again to the framing. The end result could be a structure fire.

Now, I repeat myself, I think it might be wise to recommend further evaluation by a F.I.R.E. Certified Fireplace & Chimney Inspector to confirm or deny this application. I hope no one bought a house, because after a structure fire, it’s considered a poor investment.

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Dale W. Feb, Professional Education For Professional Results
Training: F.I.R.E. Service (805) 552-9958 www.gotoFIRE.com
Inspection/Investigation: F.I.R.E. Associates (805) 552-9954 www.FireAssociates.org