Start the New Year with a Licensed Chimney Inspection
Every fire safety organization in the U.S. recommends annual chimney inspections to spot early signs of damage and ensure the chimney system is safe and functioning properly. If it’s been more than a year since your last inspection, consider scheduling one at the beginning of the new year.
Chimney Saver Solutions of Richmond, VA, would like to share a few reasons why chimney inspections are so necessary.
The purposes of a chimney inspection
These are the four main purposes of an annual chimney inspection.
Determine the level of built-up creosote in the flue
Excess creosote is responsible for most of the reported chimney fires in the Richmond, VA, area each year. Creosote forms when wood smoke condenses in the chimney. This volatile substance should be cleaned out once a year, typically during the inspection.
See if outside debris from trees or animals has found its way into the flue
Chimneys operated without chimney caps are open to leaves, twigs, small animal nests, and other debris. An accumulation of debris will narrow the flue and can cause smoke and deadly carbon monoxide to back up into your home. Solve the debris problem by installing a chimney cap.
Check the condition of the chimney’s masonry
Damaged bricks and crumbling mortar will allow water intrusion. Eventually, you could be looking at widespread water damage throughout the chimney system, roof, and parts of the home. Major structural damage to a chimney can cause it to lean or collapse.
Inspect the chimney’s parts and components
Parts and components include:
- Chimney cap or chase top
- Top-mount or throat damper
- Concrete chimney crown
- Chimney liner
- Chimney flashing
Issues with any of these components could result in unsafe operating conditions and, in the worst cases, a threat to the safety of people in the home.
When do you need a chimney inspection?
As noted, a basic chimney inspection should be performed annually on all active chimneys. “Active” means it was used during the preceding year and will be used again in the upcoming year. The amount of use is not important.
You also need a chimney inspection when:
- You’re selling your home
- You’re buying a new home
- Smoke is backing up out of the fireplace
- You’re modifying your chimney system, such as relining it or adding a new appliance that drafts through it.
- Strong, unexplained odors are coming from the chimney
- A chimney fire or other event is thought to have caused damage somewhere within the system
- Significant chimney damage is known to exist
In between inspections
During the time between inspections, you can take steps to ensure your chimney runs safely and efficiently.
Keep an eye on the chimney
Perform periodic visual inspections to check whether any part of the chimney system appears damaged or worn.
Proper use of the fireplace
Never burn clothing, treated wood, plastics, packing material, or cardboard. Many non-firewood items produce large amounts of smoke, leading to increased creosote buildup.
Be aware of odors
A musty, oily odor coming from your chimney could indicate that water is entering the flue. A burnt smell likely means excess creosote that needs to be cleaned out. A horrible, rotting odor could be coming from a deceased animal.
Call your chimney company if you notice anything unusual anywhere in the system.
Schedule your chimney inspection today
Chimney Saver Solutions is ready to help with a licensed chimney inspection for the new year. Reach us by phone or through our contact form in the Richmond, VA, area.
