Why Are Chimney Inspections important?

Imagine going years without looking in the mirror or checking your teeth. You would have no idea about suspicious moles, cavities, or gum disease. All of it could be right there, literally under your nose but you would be oblivious. This may seem like a ridiculous comparison, and maybe it is, but it’s a little like what happens without a chimney inspection.

Broken parts go unnoticed

Your chimney seems like one solid structure, but it is actually comprised of several different parts that make up the whole. Chimney cap, crown, flue liner, flashing, damper, etc. Any one of these parts can become rusted, chipped, cracked, and have water or structural damage. Without experienced human eyes, damage such as a crack can go unnoticed and lead to severe water damage that would need extensive repair and even a chimney rebuild.

Obstructions

Your chimney has a life of its own. Wind and storms deposit debris in the flue from day to day. It could be leaves, tree branches, animal nests, or even garbage. Without an inspection, unsuspecting people may try to light a fire without knowing what’s in their chimney. This can be disastrous. Obstructions block the flow of smoke and gases out of the chimney and cause those toxic fumes to be pushed back into the house.

Dangerous Dirt

The black substance inside your chimney is not ordinary dirt. It’s a sticky tarlike substance that is the byproduct of burning firewood. All the unburnt particles and gases condense together along the walls of the flue. Over time quite a thick layer
of this toxic substance can develop. Besides being ugly and sometimes smelly it is also highly flammable. Without a chimney inspection, this can go unnoticed and cause chimney fires, putting the chimney and the house in danger.

Left paying out of pocket

More home insurance policies than ever are requiring chimney inspections as a condition for coverage. This means if a homeowner neglects chimney inspections and there is an accident involving the fireplace or chimney, they would have to
pay for any damages themselves with no assistance.

New House/Old Chimney Problems

It should be customary to have a chimney inspection when purchasing a new home. A chimney may look ok from the outside but there could be any number of issues that will not only affect the chimney but also the roof and interior structures. The fireplace and chimney that you think are loaded with potential could also be loaded with creosote, mold, or water damage.

How do you know if you need a chimney inspection?

• If you’ve purchased a new home
• If it has been more than a year since your last inspection
• If you notice strange smells
• If water or signs of moisture appear in and around your firebox
• If you see any damage at all that concerns you

Any one of these symptoms would be a reason to call for a home inspection. Don’t wait until something terrible happens to get your chimney checked out. Call us today  at 845-471-1071 and speak with one of our representatives or contact us online to schedule your chimney inspection.