Why Are Chimney Inspections Important?

Nothing says cozy quite like curling up by the fire, and nothing says disappointment quite like coming to realize there is something wrong with your chimney or fireplace system. Chimney inspections can help save you from that moment of dread. By keeping your system in check and up-to-date you can avoid last second damage or missing pieces. Let’s talk about five important reasons to have your chimney inspected.

Creosote

Creosote is a flammable substance that forms in your chimney over time from soot and ash building up from burning wood in your fireplace. As creosote builds, it turns into a sticky tar-like substance that can be difficult to remove. Not only can creosote be a pain to remove, but it can also lead to serious risks, such as chimney fires and blockages.

Obstructions

Throughout all seasons, things like debris from leaves, dirt, or even small animals can find their way into your chimney creating a blockage. This blockage cannot only affect the efficiency of your chimney, but the safety as well. As debris builds in your chimney. It can block the smoke from its exit path toxic fumes like carbon monoxide to back up into your home leaving you and your family vulnerable.

Hidden Damage

Many parts of the chimney are not visible to the naked eye. A lot of homeowners don’t know much about these hidden parts of their chimney so it is important to have a professional inspect these portions of your chimney to ensure there is no hidden damage or missing pieces that can cause the chimney to malfunction.

Some crucial parts of your chimney that you may not be able to see all the time include the crown, the liner, and parts of your masonry. If any of these pieces become damaged, it can cause inefficiency as well as danger for your family and home.

Outdated Chimney Components

Often times older chimneys are not up-to-date with the current safest technology and parts. Old clay liner can become cracked over time leading to the risk of leaking gases and even chimney fires. Many older caps are also not made to withstand the elements the way modern caps are. Keeping outdated components without having them inspected by a professional can come back to haunt you in the long run.

Costly Repairs

If your chimney is left uninspected for too long, it can allow damage to become more severe leading to very costly repairs down the line. A small investment now can save you a big headache as well as a big bill in the future.

The Chimney Guys are Here to Help

It is recommended by most sweeps to have your chimney inspected annually in order to ensure that your chimney is working properly, and no components are damaged. If you suspect any damage or it has been over a year since your last chimney service, give us a call today at 614-446-1221 or contact us online to schedule your appointment with the pros.

Our team will be happy to assess any necessary repairs or cleaning and get your chimney back on track!