Keep reading to learn more about the importance of chimney inspections.
Like many homeowners, you may wonder if inspecting your chimney is necessary. While your chimney may look fine outside, there may be signs of fire damage, water leaks, and other issues deep inside the flue. Without an annual chimney inspection, your family’s health and safety may be at risk, and the structure of your chimney and home could also be in danger. Keep reading to learn more about the importance of chimney inspections.
Chimney Inspections Prevent Chimney Fires
The most important reason for a chimney inspection is to prevent a fire. A certified chimney professional will inspect the chimney for excessive creosote in the smoke chamber, liner, damper, and other flue areas. Creosote is a natural byproduct of combustion and becomes increasingly flammable the longer it remains in the chimney. A tiny spark can ignite a chimney fire that can spread through your home. You can minimize creosote accumulation by only burning seasoned firewood from a reputable local supplier.
Improves Airflow
Another reason to schedule a chimney inspection is to look for obstructions that restrict the airflow. Leaves, twigs, and animal nests typically accumulate around the chimney cap at the top of the flue pipe. This blockage can force thick, irritating smoke, hot embers, and toxic carbon monoxide fumes into your living room.
Identify Structural Issues
If you have a masonry chimney, it may have been constructed using brick or stone, which are both porous materials. Continuous exposure to extreme temperature changes, freeze-thaw cycles, and other environmental conditions can damage the masonry over time. A professional chimney sweep will examine the entire structure, from the crown to the foundation, to identify signs of cracking, mortar decay, rusting, spalling, or other defects that could lead to structural failure.
Chimney Inspection Levels
There are different levels to chimney inspections based on the conditions of the chimney structure. Many chimney companies offer these chimney inspection levels:
- Level 1: This standard visual inspection provides a baseline assessment ideal for homeowners with uninterrupted regular maintenance.
- Level 2: This advanced inspection goes deep inside the flue, where the chimney sweep uses video scans to uncover hidden issues. A level two inspection is recommended for all homeowners, especially if an annual inspection is missed, there have been modifications to the chimney system, or appliance installations.
- Level 3: These inspections are the most comprehensive, potentially removing chimney components to look for hidden problems that could compromise its structural integrity.
Schedule Your Chimney Cleaning from Champion Chimneys, Inc.
When you need a trusted company for your chimney inspection and chimney cleaning, you can trust our team. 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.). 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.