Why are Chimney Inspections Important?

Chimneys seem to be solid and independent structures that you can depend on to be there for you when you need them. The question is, are chimney inspections really that important? What could a chimney inspection tell you about your chimney that you don’t already know? Here are a few examples.

Creosote Buildup Can Become Dangerous

Chimneys may be strong but like most man-made inventions, they sometimes need a bit of human intervention. It will take a human eye and efficient tools to see the level of creosote buildup within a chimney. Creosote is a sticky black substance that is the by-product of burning firewood. It accumulates with every fire and is highly flammable.

Chimney walls lined with thick creosote can catch fire and pose a deadly hazard. Chimneys without inspection are also in danger of obstructions from leaves, tree limbs, garbage and even animals. Without a physical examination or video scanning these obstructions can grow and the next time a fire is lit, the harmful fumes will have no place to go except back into the home.

Checking for Chimney Damage

Other parts of the chimney such as the bricks, flue liner or chimney cap could be damaged. Unless you have years of experience fixing chimneys, you may not notice subtle warning signs. Failure to catch these signs could lead to water damage or structural damage in the long run. A skilled chimney sweep will be able to document all the issues your chimney is experiencing and
advise on the best course of action.

Purchasing a New Home

Anyone who purchases a new home should enquire about the last time the chimney was inspected. Carbon Monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas. Chimneys that are improperly built, have damaged parts, or that are caked with creosote could be seeping toxic gases into a home. It is always wise to get a chimney inspection before lighting a fireplace for the first time.

If a homeowner does decide to forego chimney inspections, there’s another unpleasant consequence. If future damage should occur because of the fireplace or chimney, some homeowners’ insurance policies list chimney inspections as a condition for coverage. So, the homeowner would end up covering the cost of this accident, no matter how severe, out of his/her own pocket. We never want to think about the worst but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Schedule a Professional Chimney Inspection

If you have never had a chimney inspection, consider taking care of your home and your chimney by getting one as soon as possible. If you’ve had one in the past and didn’t really see the benefit, then consider it maintenance. We love when things are working, but then we don’t really appreciate them, when things are broken, we experience the pain.

Maintenance is that in-between time that can keep us from experiencing that financial pain and frustration. When done correctly, you will never experience that financial pain and that’s a good thing!

If you realize that it’s been a while since your last chimney inspection, Advanced Chimney Sweep is here to help!

Call us at GA – (706) 833-4630 or SC – (803) 508-3990. You can also contact us online to schedule your appointment today.