Periodic inspections are needed to keep chimneys running safely and efficiently. Neglecting this area of maintenance can lead to expensive and dangerous problems down the line. Here are three reasons to schedule regular chimney inspections with professional chimney sweeps.
Chimney inspectors will find early signs of damage and malfunctionA professional chimney inspector knows what to look for within a chimney’s structure and components when checking for chimney leaks and other types of damage. Experienced technicians have the tools and training to spot problems early so they can be repaired quickly and at a much lower cost than were the problems allowed to progress.
An inspection will alert you to major and minor issues with the chimney masonry, chimney liner, concrete crown, chimney flashing and other parts of the structure so they can be resolved before you begin using your chimney again.
Annual chimney inspections have saved homeowners many thousands of dollars on repair costs.
You can’t see down into your chimney flue, but inspectors have specialized equipment including video imaging technology to investigate the condition of the inside of your chimney. Why is this important?
Every time you use your wood-burning fireplace, a substance called creosote forms within the flue. The more your fireplace is used, the more creosote is formed. Highly flammable and acidic, creosote is the cause of most chimney fires each year in the U.S. A proper chimney inspection will let you know quickly if the creosote level in your flue is putting your chimney and home at risk of fire.
Most qualified chimney inspectors provide chimney sweep services to remove creosote and soot. They also remove tree debris, dead small animals (squirrels, birds, bats, etc.) and the nests the animals have built. These obstructions can make smoke draft sluggishly and cause it to back up into your home.
As bad as smoke is, the carbon monoxide contained in smoke is worse. This gas is invisible and odorless but is known to be potentially fatal when inhaled by people and animals.
Both wood and gas fireplaces can send carbon monoxide into your breathing air. Gas fireplaces do this when the gas lines are damaged and when there are issues with the system that cause portions of the fuel to go unburned.
Make sure the chimney inspector you choose to work with is fully trained with verifiable experience in the type of fireplace, stove or fireplace insert you use.
The difference between you and a chimney inspectorYou can spot certain problems with your chimney and fireplace. A licensed chimney inspector not only can spot problems, but he or she also can identify why the trouble exists and will know exactly what to do about it.
Experts at National Chimney Service of Fairfield County, CT, and Morris County, NJ, are standing by to help with your chimney needs.
We offer all three levels of chimney inspection as outlined by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). We also provide a full menu of chimney repair services and chimney cleaning all year long.Speak with a chimney services expert today at
800-631-6177.
