We are in contract on a house built in 1990. The inspection report came in and it turns out the wood burning fireplace has a chimney pipe that goes through the roof but is surrounded by an actual brick surround that has no support except the roof. The brick is mortared like a chimney but is sitting directly on the shingles. The inspection said this was not normal but the sellers are trying to act like its no big deal. Does anyone know how serious this is? They said they might brace the roof up some but does that seem like enough? What about earthquakes, storms, etc?

What do you think we should ask them to do?