Homeowners often ask about the importance of a chimney inspection because they’re simply unaware of the issues that can arise at any time. The chimney and fireplace are not install-it-and-forget-it structures; they are heat-producing appliances that must be treated with due respect. They can create carbon monoxide, which is a very dangerous gas, or they can become structurally unstable due to weather or settlement of the home and structure. Many other hidden issues may be discovered during a routine chimney inspection, including some of the following.
- Check the Chimney Cap, Crown, and Flashing – These areas of the chimney protect the chimney itself and the rest of your home from water damage. They must be in proper working condition for a variety of reasons.
- Check the Exterior Body of the Chimney – Both steel and masonry chimneys need to be inspected. We will inspect the exterior body of the chimney to make sure everything is as it should be.
- Check the Interior of the Chimney and the Flue – The flue is also referred to as the chimney lining. This is where creosote will build up over time and pose a danger to your home and family. Small animals and birds may also seek refuge in the interior of the chimney if your chimney cap isn’t working properly.
- Check the Appliance Attached to the Chimney – Most area chimneys are attached to a fireplace or a wood burning stove, although many flues are attached to other items such as a furnace, hot water heater, etc…
- Check All Easily Accessible Areas of the Chimney – We will inspect every area of the chimney that we can see without tearing down walls. The level 1 inspection that we generally perform for the everyday homeowner is simpler than the level 2 and level 3 inspections that are ordered under specific circumstances. Feel free to ask us specifics if you’re not sure which type of chimney inspection you need.
We may recommend the following:
- Chimney Repair – if the cap, crown, flashing, or body of the chimney is damaged.
- Chimney Waterproofing – every chimney needs to be protected from elemental damage.
- Chimney Cleaning – if we discover an abundance of creosote or anything lodged in the flue.
We fully understand that not all homeowners are familiar with DIY home improvement projects or comfortable with the idea of cleaning the dryer vent hose or chimney flue on their own. That’s perfectly okay, and we respect the decision to hire a professional C-DET technician or CSIA Certified chimney sweep for the job. Give us a call at 610-626-2439 if you would like to schedule an appointment for a dryer vent cleaning with one of our C-DET technicians or a chimney inspection with our CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps.