A chimney is an amazing addition to any house. However, sometimes people forget how much work they are to maintain. Having a chimney inspection performed is critical to making sure your fireplace is in proper working order. Below is a list of items that are commonly performed during an inspection. This process takes less than two hours to complete.
Common Inspection Items
- The chimney is inspected from both inside the fireplace, and outside, at the top of the chimney.
- Any debris, or obstructions, must be removed before using your fireplace; common items are leaves, or bird nests. These items can disrupt the airflow, causing carbon monoxide buildup within the house.
- The inside of the chimney should be smooth. Scraping the inside of the chimney with a small screwdriver helps to tell if the creosote is at a dangerous level. If it is ¼ inch thick, or more, do not use your chimney until it is cleaned; as this could create a fire hazard.
- The exterior of the chimney also requires inspection. Signs of damage, or stress should be addressed immediately.
- An inspection also assesses the roof to ensure every area is safe. There may be moss on the roof, which holds moisture, and over time, will break down the roof.
The items addressed above are the basics of an inspection. There may be additional items performed, depending on the condition of your chimney. Contact a professional (like A Fiddler on the Roof!) for an inspection – a chimney inspection is not something that should be performed on your own.
For more information on having your chimney inspected, please contact us. We would be delighted to make sure your chimney is safe.
Leave a Reply