Chimney Inspections: What You Need to Know
Your chimney is much more than an aesthetic architectural element of your home! It plays a vital role in helping you keep your family warm in winter weather as well as providing and escape route for the smoke and fire-related particles. However, a chimney can also become a hazard rather than a help if it is not properly maintained, and that means making time for a chimney inspection.
Chimney inspections are not excessively difficult, but they are necessary and should be done, at minimum, at least once a year - preferably, before the cold weather season begins. After all, you don't want to discover a problem once that first fire of the year is built! Basic chimney inspections can typically be done without done without hiring a professional, but for more extensive inspections that take close looks at the integrity of the chimney, it is best to call in the pros!
So, if you find yourself faced with doing a chimney inspection, but have no idea where to begin, then the following questions will get you started:
Is the chimney structurally sound? Take the time to look carefully at your chimney's exterior noting any missing or chipped bricks or masonry joints, cracks, holes or any visible leaning of the chimney; if you have a metal factory built chimney, look for corrosion, stains, loose sections bending or movement during windy conditions.
Is there a chimney cap? The chimney cap is the unsung hero of a safely functioning chimney as its job is to keep precipitation out of the chimney thus preventing issues like joint damage due to pooling water or freezing and melting of precipitation. Be sure that as part of a chimney inspection, you check to see that the chimney screen is intact as this keeps out animals and prevents any sparks from the fire from landing on the roof.
Does it need to be cleaned? Note any buildup of creosote (this will usually be found on the inside of the chimney). Creosote is black or brown in appearance. It can be crusty and flaky€¦tar-like, drippy and sticky€¦or shiny and hardened. Often, all forms will occur in one chimney system. Whatever form it takes, creosote is highly combustible. Should your chimney inspection reveal creosote, call in a professional to remove it!
Just checking these three elements of your chimney can save you a great deal of trouble and disaster. You can do it yourself or call in a professional chimney inspector who will be happy to use their knowledge and experience to help you protect your home and family. Yes, chimneys are quite often, impressive architectural elements, but don't just assume they are without need of time and attention. Take time to inspect your chimney each fall so that you can safely enjoy your fireplace all season long. In Bergen County, PA, contact Guardian Chimney to learn how they can help with chimney inspections.
Chimney inspections are not excessively difficult, but they are necessary and should be done, at minimum, at least once a year - preferably, before the cold weather season begins. After all, you don't want to discover a problem once that first fire of the year is built! Basic chimney inspections can typically be done without done without hiring a professional, but for more extensive inspections that take close looks at the integrity of the chimney, it is best to call in the pros!
So, if you find yourself faced with doing a chimney inspection, but have no idea where to begin, then the following questions will get you started:
Is the chimney structurally sound? Take the time to look carefully at your chimney's exterior noting any missing or chipped bricks or masonry joints, cracks, holes or any visible leaning of the chimney; if you have a metal factory built chimney, look for corrosion, stains, loose sections bending or movement during windy conditions.
Is there a chimney cap? The chimney cap is the unsung hero of a safely functioning chimney as its job is to keep precipitation out of the chimney thus preventing issues like joint damage due to pooling water or freezing and melting of precipitation. Be sure that as part of a chimney inspection, you check to see that the chimney screen is intact as this keeps out animals and prevents any sparks from the fire from landing on the roof.
Does it need to be cleaned? Note any buildup of creosote (this will usually be found on the inside of the chimney). Creosote is black or brown in appearance. It can be crusty and flaky€¦tar-like, drippy and sticky€¦or shiny and hardened. Often, all forms will occur in one chimney system. Whatever form it takes, creosote is highly combustible. Should your chimney inspection reveal creosote, call in a professional to remove it!
Just checking these three elements of your chimney can save you a great deal of trouble and disaster. You can do it yourself or call in a professional chimney inspector who will be happy to use their knowledge and experience to help you protect your home and family. Yes, chimneys are quite often, impressive architectural elements, but don't just assume they are without need of time and attention. Take time to inspect your chimney each fall so that you can safely enjoy your fireplace all season long. In Bergen County, PA, contact Guardian Chimney to learn how they can help with chimney inspections.
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