Proper chimney care will go a long way in keeping a dwelling safeguarded against a risk of fire. Chimney inspections and proper maintenance practices are two things that insurance providers take note of when it comes to offering coverage or renewing a policy.
Underwriters are also starting to ask insurance agents and third-party inspectors to look carefully at chimneys before providing insurance coverage. The professionals at Fiddler on the Roof Chimney Service can address how to know if a chimney is in good condition and what steps should be taken for the proper maintenance of one’s chimney stack.
Maintenance
“A 2016 report from the National Fire Protection Association states that a leading factor contributing to home heating fires was the failure to clean chimneys,” reported Karen B. Gibbs in an article for NBC’s Today Show.
It is important that homeowners be proactive in maintaining their chimneys. A professional chimney sweep, from Fiddler on the Roof Chimney Service, should inspect a person’s chimney, fireplace, and/or solid fuel burning appliance on an annual or semi-annual basis depending on how often a person is utilizing their fireplace.
Areas of Concern
Exterior observation of a chimney stack can let a homeowner know if serious issues exist regarding their chimney. If the chimney case is made of brick, any cracks or chips to the mortar could be cause for concern. Dents to the metal base flashing or metal flue cap could also be signs of hail damage or another issue that needs to be addressed.
Birds, squirrels, rodents, and insects sometimes like to make their home within a chimney stack. The existence of nests, animal droppings, sticks, foliage, etc. can lead to smoke and fire hazards, as a chimney stack needs to be free of debris at all times in order to work properly.
Contact Fiddler on the Roof Chimney Service today for a chimney inspection and maintenance plan.
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