When buying a new home, would you check to see if chimney repair was necessary? Homeowners want to ensure that the house is in a safe neighborhood, has an excellent school system, and has a beautiful and spacious layout. A fireplace is also a unique feature that could lead a prospective buyer to close the deal. However, even if a fireplace looks as if it’s in good shape, it doesn’t mean that’s the case. It’s best never to overlook the chimney and fireplace condition. It’s challenging to see the chimney’s innermost components. When a house is on the market, request that the chimney has a cleaning and inspection, mainly because these tasks aren’t DIY projects. Here are five common problems that require a chimney repair.
A Buildup of Creosote
Whether propane, wood, or wood pellets are present, there will be creosote when smoke rises. Creosote is sticky, highly flammable, and causes thousands of house fires per year, resulting in millions of dollars of damage. Some house fires can even cause casualties, which are 100% avoidable by having your chimney cleaned and inspected.
Damaged Brickwork
Cracked, broken, and splitting brickwork stems from age and neglect. Once again, you can identify these issues with annual cleaning and inspection.
Chimney Cap Problems
A mangled or missing chimney cap is easily identifiable. Animals or strong winds usually cause this type of damage. Fortunately, it doesn’t take more than an hour to replace a chimney cap.
A Cracked Chimney Flue
The best way to detect a cracked chimney flue is with a chimney camera, which a professional chimney service company like us will always have. Without a reputable company on your side, it’s impossible to see and detect all the problems that your chimney could be facing.
Blockages
Smoke consists of carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless, and lethal gas. Animals or organic debris can obstruct a chimney. When this structure is clogged or blocked, it causes smoke fumes to enter the home instead of exiting it. If smoke isn’t escaping from your fireplace like it should call us immediately to address this issue.
If it’s been some time since you’ve called a professional chimney services company, it’s never too late to do so. Fireplaces are a helpful heating mechanism that keeps homeowners warm during the winter month. It’s even better to take care of an inspection and chimney repair during spring and summer to ensure that you get optimal usage out of your chimney during the colder months.
Call the Experts at Champion Chimneys for Chimney Cleaning Today!
Champion Chimneys, Inc. is a fully licensed, bonded, and insured chimney service company that has served 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.