Chimney inspections are necessary. A chimney cannot function properly without regular cleanings, which isn’t a DIY task. You should hire professionals like us at Champion Chimneys because it takes adequate knowledge to understand how a chimney functions and where to look for issues. During the winter season, in particular, a chimney has exposure to fumes, heat, and particles that pile up and can potentially cause a fire. Your safety should always come first. Here are some chimney inspection basics that you know.
Knowing How Often Chimney Inspections Should Take Place
A chimney’s job is to remove blockages, soot, and creosote from the chimney liner, smoke chamber, or firebox. If you keep it clean, it will work properly and efficiently. Even a seemingly small amount of creosote buildup can cause a fire. You should have us inspect your chimney at least once a year, even if you rarely use your fireplace. Trying to save on inspection costs is never the best idea. Inspections help cause little issues from blowing up and costing you even more money than an inspection would.
What Happens During Chimney Inspections?
Chimney inspections alert homeowners to any physical defects inside of the flue or firebox, creosote accumulation, or the presence of any blockages. Also, an inspection will display the status of a chimney’s structure, any leaks, cracks, and stability overall.
What Levels of Chimney Inspections Exist?
Chimney inspections have three levels, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Here they are in detail.
- This level involves a general inspection of the chimney’s structure, including a flue liner assessment as well as joints, interior walls, and the chimney’s crown. This level helps assess the risk of a potential fire.
- Last week, we mentioned home inspections. This level is necessary during the home selling and buying process, or happens when structural damage has occurred due to a natural disaster or inclement weather.
- This level includes removing parts of the chimney to assess and visualize any internal damage.
Understand the Difference Between A Chimney Sweep and Chimney Inspector
Chimney sweeps merely clean a chimney. Chimney inspectors assess structural damage and have the tools to fix these issues. Here at Champion Chimneys, we take care of both so that you don’t have to worry.
Don’t Be in Despair If Your Chimney Needs Repair
Champion Chimneys, Inc. is a fully licensed, bonded and insured chimney service company that has been serving customers in Baltimore County, Howard County, and Anne Arundel County, Maryland since 2001. Our team is trained and certified by Certified Chimney Professionals, Inc. (CCP, Inc.). Courteous service is our trademark, and our crews arrive on time in uniform, driving fully equipped trucks. We specialize in all aspects of your chimney system. Whether you need chimney and flue cleaning service or a full chimney rebuild or inspection, contact us at 443-Chimney today and let us fix all your chimney problems. Also, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.