The Importance Of Chimney Inspections

Now that spring is here and summer is just around the corner, the tasks around the house have built up from a long, hard winter. We often ask ourselves, “Do I need to get a chimney inspection this year?” You’ve done the once-over and looked at the chimney. You’ve cleaned out old ash and spent wood, and everything looks fine. What you aren’t seeing may be small changes that will lead to big damages and many dollars to cover the correction.

Don’t be fooled by mere appearances. A leaky chimney is no laughing matter, and it is tough to see with the naked eye. You also may not realize that deep in the chimney, there may have been some fire damage. This is due to an abundance of creosote that you just cannot see. Not to be an alarmist, but a yearly chimney inspection can prevent chimney fires. This can lead to house damage as well. So the little time and money it will take you now can save you from damage and costly repairs in the future.

Here Are The Reasons Why A Chimney Inspection Is Important.

Prevent Chimney Fires

First and foremost, protecting your family is at the top of the list. A chimney inspection will identify any concerns that may lead to a chimney fire. These concerns are the buildup of creosote. Creosote is a dark, tarry substance that is a byproduct of wood being burned. Over time, this creosote builds up and adheres to the chimney liner. The heat of a fire can cause the creosote to catch on fire.

Identify Blockages

If you have not had a chimney sweep or inspection in quite some time, debris, animals, and dust particles can accumulate in the chimney. Yet another way that fires can start in your chimney.

Identify Structural Issues

The naked eye cannot identify the intricate parts of a masonry chimney. Bricks and mortar are very porous; water gets in and deteriorates the integrity of the bricks. Once water gets into the bricks, it freezes and thaws throughout the winter. This effect will create cracks in the bricks as well as the mortar, causing them to break down. Identifying these issues early will not only save the life of your chimney but also a great deal of money.

Prevent Payment From Insurance Companies

Check your insurance policy. Some insurance agencies won’t cover damage if there hasn’t been a documented chimney inspection done regularly.

Professionals suggest an annual chimney inspection and sweep for these reasons.

We are a Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) Certified and a member of the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG). Our fully licensed, insured, and trained chimney technicians handle chimney inspections, sweeping, cleaning, and tough chimney problems. This includes tuckpointing, chimney construction, chimney venting, chimney pipe, chimney crown repair, chimney cap installation, chimney chase cover, chimney liner replacement or repair, leaky chimney repairs, fireplace restorations, chimney restoration, masonry services, chimney damper repairs, smoky chimneys, smelly chimneys, loose mortar on the chimney and any other chimney or fireplace services you need. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.