Delaware county is a large area with a lot going on every single day. I get that you’re busy and you have a ton of responsibilities to deal with on a daily basis. But don’t put off scheduling your chimney inspection and cleaning until something bad happens; it’s too late at that point. I hate to be brutally honest there, but it’s true. Regular inspection and maintenance of your fireplace and chimney has the potential to save thousands of dollars in repairs in the event of chimney collapse or worse. Call Lou Curley Chimney Service to schedule an appointment for a chimney inspection and cleaning before winter really sets in.
Potential Dangers
Blockages in the chimney immediately create a chimney hazard. Any type of blockage prevents carbon monoxide and smoke from escaping the top of the chimney as intended. The trapped carbon monoxide and smoke may travel back down the chimney and into your home, creating a very dangerous, and very messy, situation for your household.
Creosote buildup is extremely flammable and poses a fire hazard. A chimney fire may sound like a nice, contained burn, but it does serious damage to both the flue and the chimney structure itself. Chimney fires often lead to structural fires because they ignite nearby roof support beams.
Cracked Flue or Damaged Chimney
Some of the hidden dangers within the flue itself include gaps between flue tiles, or cracked or flaking flue tiles. Gaps may be addressed by reapplying mortar on the inside of the chimney flue, or relining the flue altogether. Cracked tiles may be caused by a chimney fire, a lightning strike, a hard impact, or an earthquake. Flaking or spalling is the result of years of exposure to the corrosive chemicals and moisture from the combustion process.
Each of these flue tile problems pose health risks because they mean the chimney is not working efficiently or within safe parameters. A damaged flue must be repaired to avoid chimney fire, structural fire, or the introduction of carbon monoxide into your home.
You can visually inspect your chimney each time you look at your home. If you notice any potential problems at any time throughout the year, please don’t hesitate to call me. You shouldn’t wait until your next scheduled inspection or cleaning to see if the issue was worth the hassle of a quick phone call. Structural integrity is compromised if a single brick becomes loose or damaged.
CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep in Delaware County, PA.
If you’re looking for a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep in Delaware County PA, look no further. Lou Curley’s Chimney Service is locally owned and operated, and I provide top quality chimney services to homeowners throughout Delaware County. Call any time to schedule an appointment for a consultation, inspection, or chimney cleaning. Preventative maintenance and yearly inspections are your chimney’s saving grace.