Gas fireplaces (unless ventless type) need to vent the exhaust gases to the exterior of the home to help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. To help ensure that the gases all go to the exterior of the home gas fireplaces either do not have a damper for the flue or they have a damper clamp installed on the damper to prevent the damper from fully closing.
When a home inspector sees a gas fireplace without a damper stop it should be called out. This is required on gas fireplaces to help keep the users safe in case they were to forget to open the damper. Damper stops are not required when the fireplace is wood burning. This is because if you were to forget to open the damper you will quickly be reminded to open it due to all the smoke entering your home. With gas fireplaces, there is no smoke to alert you of the closed damper.
Jim Troth is a Manager of a multi-inspector company, Habitation Investigation, in Ohio and the former Education Coordinator for InterNachi Ohio. He attributes the growth to excellent customer service and referrals from satisfied clients. The company provides home inspections in the Central Ohio Columbus and home inspection in the Dayton Ohio areas, Hilliard, Powell, Pickerington, Pataskala, New Albany, Delaware, Gahanna, Westerville, Galloway, Grove City, Worthington, Dublin, Marysville, London, West Jefferson, Mechanicsburg and other cities surrounding Columbus, Ohio. His home inspection company is Habitation Investigation LLC. The website is: https://www.homeinspectionsinohio.com
