Your chimney is one of the most used items in your house when the weather turns cooler. However, you are probably like many other homeowners and do not give your chimney a second thought. You most likely feel that as long as smoke is leaving through the chimney, there must not be anything wrong with it.

Here are 4 reasons why you should have your chimney inspected:

  1. The number one reason why everyone should have their chimney inspected every year is to prevent chimney fires. Chimney fires can happen very easily if there is a buildup of creosote inside the chimney and these fires can spread quickly without warning.
  2. A chimney can become blocked over time and the cause can be a buildup of creosote or an animal or other object becoming stuck inside the chimney. An inspection can determine if something is blocking the chimney before dangerous gases like carbon monoxide build up inside the home. Carbon monoxide can be very deadly and at the very least cause headaches, dizziness and nausea.
  3. Smoke damage can happen inside your home if the flue is not working properly to draw the smoke up and out of the chimney. If you notice that there is black soot anywhere in your house, it is time to call a professional to determine the cause.
  4. If water is seeping into your chimney, it can damage the bricks and mortar and it can also cause water damage to your ceilings and walls. Too much damage to the bricks over time can cause the chimney to collapse. Water damage to your ceilings and walls can cause mold to grow and the walls and ceilings will weaken over time until they start to crumble.

It is always best to have a professional inspect your chimney once a year, so that you can prevent major damage from occurring. It is almost always easier to fix a problem when it is smaller instead of when the chimney is on the verge of falling down or a chimney fire has started. Give us a call here at Lou Curley’s Chimney Service at 610-626-2439 and we’ll schedule an appointment with one of our CSIA Certified chimney sweeps to ensure that your chimney is clean and in proper working order.