What should you observe when looking up from the basement around a metal chimney for a wood-burning fireplace?

When inspecting around a metal chimney for a wood-burning fireplace from the basement, observing a metal fire stop spacer is crucial for safety and compliance. This component is essential for fire prevention, as it helps to create a barrier that minimizes the risk of heat transfer from the chimney to nearby combustible materials, such as wood framing, insulation, or drywall.

A fire stop spacer is typically required by building codes, as it maintains an appropriate clearance around the chimney and ensures proper ventilation. This is important to prevent any potential fire hazards that may arise from heat buildup.

The other options, while they may be related to roofing or chimney installations, do not specifically address the requirements for chimney safety and fire protection as effectively as the fire stop spacer does. Therefore, the presence of a metal fire stop spacer indicates that the system has been installed with attention to safety and code compliance.