Fireplace defect help

[Robert Foster]

It's one thing to know something isn't right....it's another to KNOW it's not right and accurately communicate it to the clients either verbally or in the report.

These pictures show some common 3 hole bricks exposed on the inside of the firebox. I've never seen this before and assume it's a possible heat/fire hazard. Do I have that right ? and if so can someone please point me towards or provide me the appropriate substantiating documentation and or diagrams.

Thanks.

[wayne soper]

is that the damper. Are we looking at a sideways picture?

[Robert Foster]

The photos are taken looking up the chimney, the rear of the firebox is on the right.
The rusted metal on the right is not the damper. The damper is actually missing.
The metal on the left is the jamb (I guess you could call it) of the metal fireplace glass door/screen as it wraps around the bottom of the lintel forming the top of the fireplace opening.
The 3 hole bricks are on the back side of the lintel.

Hope that helps....

[wayne soper]

OK now i see. Those holes should be filled at time of cleaning which it needs!! Holes look slight in depth, meaning they are not open to the inside of the chimney brick work but still should be filled. Damper should be installed or a pop top at chimney top.

[Eric Barker]

There should be no open voids - brick cores included.
Warped damper throat may indicate previous excessive heat in the firebox.
There appears to be a lack of space between the lintel and the throat - 8 inches would have been nice to have.
Certainly a safety inspection is warranted.

[Robert Foster]

Thanks for the replies....