Why a Holiday Chimney Inspection Is the Perfect Gift to Yourself
Do you remember the last time you had your chimney inspected? Most every fire safety agency in the United States recommends a thorough chimney inspection once a year. If it’s been longer than that for you, The Chimney Guys of Pataskala, OH, would like to share a few reasons why this service might be one of the best Christmas gifts you can give yourself and your family.
What happens during a chimney inspection?
A basic Level 1 chimney inspection looks at all readily accessible areas of your chimney, including:
- The masonry’s bricks and mortar
- Chimney cap or chase cover
- Concrete chimney crown
- Chimney flashing
and other important areas and components.
Your inspector will need access to your home and roof so he or she can do the job properly. A CSIA-certified chimney technician can also advise you on how to resolve any problems you’ve been having with your chimney or fireplace.
Beyond the basic Level 1 inspection, there are two other recognized levels:
Level 2: This inspection uses video imaging and is needed when the home is being sold, a new appliance is being connected to the chimney, and when a chimney fire or other event is thought to have caused damage.
Level 3: When major damage is known to exist, a full-scale Level 3 chimney inspection is needed.
Potential problems a chimney inspection can prevent
Here are some of the most common problems that can be prevented by having your chimney inspected and serviced.
Chimney fires
Built-up creosote in the flue is responsible for most reported chimney fires throughout the state of Ohio each year. An inspection will determine if it’s time to schedule a chimney sweep.
Dangerous smoke and gas backups
Chimney inspectors know that a flue full of leaves, twigs, animal nests and other debris is the perfect way to cause smoke and deadly carbon monoxide to back up into the home. Chimney sweeping will clear the flue.
Ongoing water damage
If your chimney is leaking through its masonry, chimney crown, chimney cap or flashing, it means serious problems are on the way. Incoming water can severely damage bricks and mortar, the chimney liner, the firebox and home building materials. An inspection will spot early signs of leakage and repair the problem.
Chimney instability
When water seeps into porous bricks and mortar, it will freeze and expand when outside temperatures drop. When this happens, the masonry will begin to crack and crumble. Eventually, the entire chimney structure can begin to lean. In the worst-case scenario, the chimney will collapse. Your chimney inspector knows all the signs of compromised masonry.
Who should inspect your chimney?
The only person you should allow to inspect or work on your chimney is a qualified technician who does this work as a profession. Ideally, the inspector should hold a certification from the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) or another certifying body.
All chimney inspectors should be licensed, and either they or their company should carry full insurance.
Chimney inspections during the holidays and all year long
The Chimney Guys is ready to help with a Christmas chimney inspection or an inspection at any time of year. We know how to keep your chimney safe and operational with licensed inspections, professional chimney sweeping and all types of chimney repair work.
Give yourself the wonderful gift of a thorough holiday chimney inspection. Call us and speak with a chimney expert, or reach out with our simple contact form.
