Picture yourself spending a cold midnight cozying up by a crackling fireplace.
Undoubtedly, a fireplace gives comfort and an environment, but if you ignore its state, this perfect setting can turn dangerous.
Regular chimney inspections are important for sufficient airflow, keeping your house safe, and preventing fires. The reasons you need a chimney inspection will have you set up an appointment ASAP.
Let’s find out.
Are you not concerned about your chimney billowing smoke all throughout the year?
Things could get worse if you are. Regular inspections keep chimneys free of structural issues, deposits, and blocks.
Let’s go over a few reasons why inspection is your best defense against the unforeseen dangers of an ignored chimney.
A highly flammable substance identified as creosote can often cause chimney fires, which act as a serious threat.
The ashes from burning wood sticks to the chimney wall gradually, and if unregulated, can cause fire and spread fast.
The chances of these fires can be greatly reduced by having an expert chimney sweeper identify and remove creosote buildup.
Example: A chimney fire can reach temperatures over 2,000°F, running the fireplace and increasing the chance of a house fire.
Carbon Monoxide (CO), an odorless and colorless gas, can be produced by incomplete combustion.
A serious threat to health arises when CO gets trapped inside your house because of a malfunctioning chimney liner or incorrect venting.
Regular checks ensure the flue’s right operation, allowing CO to exit the building properly.
Example: Early indications of CO poisoning, which include headache, vomiting, dizziness, and nausea, can be easily mistaken with the flu.
Chimneys are subjected to deterioration, cracking, and water leaks all caused by its exposure to outdoor elements and bad weather.
These issues can impact the skeletal strength of the chimney and possibly lead to water damage in your residence.
These problems can be noticed by an expert inspector, who can also recommend what can be done to prevent future problems.
Example: Water leakage from a damaged chimney crown can cause extensive water damage to the roof, walls, and even the foundation of your house.
An efficient, working chimney can increase airflow, ensuring successful fuel burning. Eventually, this results in a warmer fire and less fuel being burned, which saves money.
There is an immense peace of mind when you know that your chimney is safe and working effectively.
Having regular checks provides you and your family peace of mind, knowing you are protected from Carbon Monoxide poisoning and potential fire hazards.
A verified chimney sweep will use special equipment to carry out an in-depth visual check of the chimney interior.
Examples are creosote development, cracks in the flue liner, and proof of animal nesting. Video inspection tools can be used to provide a deeper assessment of hidden locations.
All wood-burning fireplaces must undergo a yearly assessment based on the Chimney Safety Institute of America.
Periodic checks might be necessary, depending on how frequently you use the fireplace and what type of fuel you burn.
Regular chimney assessment is just a small cost to pay for the safety of your family and house.
For a safe and pleasant fireplace in the cold month, schedule annual checks and take quick action to fix any issues that arise.
For keeping your chimney system secure, efficient, and long-lasting, regular chimney evaluations are important. Besides expanding the chimney’s lifespan, chimney assessment helps homeowners prevent fire hazards, ensure adequate airflow, detect damage, and comply with insurance requirements and building codes.
So, when was the last time you had your chimney inspected? Don’t wait until it’s too late to act -make an inspection schedule immediately to protect your family and property’s safety.
