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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Location
    Comer, GA
    Posts
    26

    Default sand deposits at hearth extension

    These sand deposits were found on an inspect of a house unoccupied for an unknown time period. Massive chimney column rises from ground all the way up and through.

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  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2017
    Location
    California
    Posts
    163

    Default Re: sand deposits at hearth extension

    Quote Originally Posted by jim baird View Post
    These sand deposits were found on an inspect of a house unoccupied for an unknown time period. Massive chimney column rises from ground all the way up and through.

    Comments?P3250494_resize.JPG
    Brick termites? Somebody throwing sandbags against the fireplace for fun? The answer to this sand deposit mistery is awaitng further investigation by you. oo


  3. #3

    Default Re: sand deposits at hearth extension

    Improper mortar mix

    Jeff Zehnder - Home Inspector, Raleigh, NC
    http://www.jjeffzehnder.com/
    http://carolinahomeinspections.com/

  4. #4
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    Washington State
    Posts
    376

    Default Re: sand deposits at hearth extension

    Mason-ry Bees ! Probably weren't Union -


  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Spring City/Surrounding Philadelphia area
    Posts
    3,509

    Default Re: sand deposits at hearth extension

    Looks like efflorescence on some of the bricks on the surround. My guess is moisture penetration through the chimney and powdering up of the brick from moisture. Any issues on the exterior chimney structure like damaged pointing or a damaged mortar cap?

    "It takes a big man to cry. It takes an even bigger man to laugh at that man". - Jack Handey

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    leonardo, new jersey
    Posts
    126

    Default Re: sand deposits at hearth extension

    I can?t tell from my phone photo but masons years ago and today fill the void behind the fire brick and masonry block with sand , allows for thermal expansion with out the rigidity of cement or brick causing resistance.

    Joseph Ehrhardt
    Building Forensic Specialist LLC

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Aug 2020
    Location
    California
    Posts
    13

    Default Re: sand deposits at hearth extension

    Quote Originally Posted by Elizabeth Chambers View Post
    Brick termites? Somebody throwing sandbags against the fireplace for fun? The answer to this sand deposit mistery is awaitng further investigation by you. oo
    I also first thought of brick termites. But can't be sure. Did you find any specific thing @Jim?


  8. #8
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    Washington State
    Posts
    376

    Default Re: sand deposits at hearth extension

    I agree with Nick about the efflorescence. I've seen it when fireplaces are located in basements that aren't occupied / kept warm.


  9. #9
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Near Philly, Pa.
    Posts
    1,682

    Default Re: sand deposits at hearth extension

    Efflorescence but also mortar deterioration from moisture. Whether moisture adsorbed into the surface then absorbed on the exterior face and crown or damp rising, water will be driven inwards and down by gravity and vapor diffusion. Once the salt concentrates, its like a magnet for more water and thus propagates an insidious cycle. The cool surface of a basement fireplace makes for a nice condensing surface for humid basements. Most people close the damper thus cutting off ventilation. Of course, being in a negative pressure zone, humid outdoor air would be drawn down the flue into the basement so correct the house's pressure regimes.

    Keep the fire in the fireplace.

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