Check this wood-burning fireplace for me

[John Kogel]

I want to hear from a few masons too, eh?

The house and fireplace were built in 1968. The last flue tile was a little low, so the mason pulled it up a few inches.
He did a good job of securing it there. Does the gap there need repair?

The bottom flue tile is not well sealed. Does it need to be repaired?

What about the alignment of the flue tiles?

[John Kogel]

I wonder if there is a concern here. The mason thought this was OK in 1968, and there has been literally no change.
Do I call for repairs?

[Rick Cantrell]

You might describe what you see as a FYI, not as a repair.
It has withstood the test of time, however they do need to know.

[John Arnold]

You might describe what you see as a FYI, not as a repair.
It has withstood the test of time, however they do need to know.

However, we don't know what it has withstood over time. Maybe it was rarely used and only for small fires that didn't last very long, and now the new owners want to have giant blazing fires for hours on end.
But you still don't have to call for repair, only a Level II inspection which should be done anyway, cite your concerns, and leave it up to a specialist.

[Bob Harper]

The chimney can no longer perform its intended function. Also, there are signs of significant moisture penetration. The chimney should have a level II inspection. Done.

You cannot *repair* flue tile gaps like this. You need an approved flue lining. The only method recognized to do this with the chimney still standing is to reline it. Otherwise, tear down and build properly.

[Gary DeWitt]

Agree with Bob. NFPA recommends a level II inspection when the building changes hands. Anything less is risking injury and/or property damage if the fireplace is used.

[John Kogel]

Thanks, all.
That confirms my thinking, that it is unsafe, and has been all along.
I will often suggest an airtight insert with an attached metal liner to make it practical and safe. Also there is no chimney cap, which is where all that moisture is coming from. We call it spring weather around here. :D A new metal liner will come with a cap, too, we hope.

FWIW, there is no Level II here in Canada. We can call for a WETT (wood energy technologist) inspection, but it is only required if the insurance company demands it. Usually, it's a job for a chimney sweep that has the WETT ticket.