Best Reasons to Have a Chimney Inspected Before Winter
A chimney should be inspected at least once a year; the best time to do so is before winter starts.
A chimney should be inspected at least once a year; the best time to do so is before winter starts. Unfortunately, many homeowners use their fireplaces without cleaning the chimney when the weather gets cold. Not only is cleaning and inspecting a chimney a safety precaution, but it also has several other benefits.
Let's explore some of the reasons to inspect the chimney before winter:
To prevent a house fire
Not cleaning and inspecting the chimney regularly can lead to a fire. An oily substance called creosote can accumulate in the chimney, a common cause of house fires. This substance is highly flammable since it's created during wood combustion.
When professional chimney inspectors are hired, one of their first tasks is to remove any creosote buildup from the flue. Nests in the fireplace or chimney can also lead to a house fire, so they need removal before winter.
It will heat the house more efficiently
One of the most critical parts of chimney inspections and clean-up is removing debris, dead animals, or any other types of obstructions from the flue. Chimneys can also get clogged with leaves, twigs, or animal nests. If there is anything in the chimney, the fireplace won't be able to heat the house properly.
Ensure the chimney is inspected before the cold season starts to avoid winter freezing. More energy efficiency also means reduced utility bills.
There might be hidden damage
Even if homeowners clean the chimney by themselves, some parts of the chimney are hard to see, let alone reach. Also, there could be damage to the chimney's structure, of which the homeowners are unaware. For example, the homeowner could be dealing with extensive water damage, warped dampers, damaged flue liners, or cracked masonry.
Chimney and fireplace damage can require costly repairs, so it's critical to identify and prevent these problems early on.
Carbon monoxide poisoning prevention
One of the risks of not inspecting a chimney regularly is carbon monoxide poisoning. This happens when something in the chimney prevents the smoke from coming out. As a result, the smoke doesn't have anywhere else to go but backward.
Hire a chimney inspection and maintenance company on time to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
It increases the chimney's lifespan
Finally, if the homeowners have their chimney inspected once a year, it will prolong its lifespan. The chimney's flue and the dampener need to be in excellent shape to work efficiently and to keep the house comfortable for years to come.
Schedule a chimney inspection on time
Keeping a chimney clean and well-maintained is crucial so it can warm the house during winter. Failing to do so can generate house fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, structure damage, and increased utility bills. Therefore, being unable to keep the house warm would be the least pressing problem.
A chimney inspection should be conducted by a qualified professional, so make sure to find a chimney maintenance company rather than treating it as a DIY project.
Sweeps N Ladders is a North Texas chimney and roofing repair service providing chimney & fireplace restorations, brick and mortar restoration, chimney caps, chase covers, and more. We provide fireplace inspection and repair, fireplace remodeling, chimney inspection and sweeping, and dryer vent cleaning. We are locally owned and operated family business and are licensed, bonded, and insured. Call us today at 469-812-5662.