Given the numerous risks of fire and smoke, a chimney inspection is a crucial part of any property maintenance. While owning a chimney has many benefits, it can also be risky if not properly maintained. A poorly maintained chimney is a potential risk for combustion, carbon monoxide poisoning, and structural damage to your home. Fortunately, there are solutions to help you prevent or mitigate the risks that come with owning a chimney. If you’ve never heard about the importance of a chimney inspection before, don’t worry! We’re here to tell you everything you need to know on how and why you should get your chimney inspected.
What is a Chimney Inspection?
A chimney inspection is a way to assess the safety of your chimney. This inspection is important because your chimney is one of the primary support systems for your home’s structure. If your chimney is not properly maintained or if it’s damaged, it can lead to several issues. A damaged or unkempt chimney is a fire hazard — even more so if you use it to heat your home. It can also cause structural issues, like cracked foundation walls and roof damage. Having your chimney inspected will tell you whether it needs to be repaired or replaced. So, our Total Air Duct Cleaning professionals are here in Dallas, TX, to help you out.
Important Things To Know Before A Chimney Inspection
Inspecting the exterior of the chimney
If your chimney is made of brick or stone, it’s important to make sure there aren’t any cracks or chips in the exterior. Cracks and chips can let water seep into your chimney, which can cause erosion and other structural damage.
The condition of the fireplace
The interior of your fireplace is another important part of the chimney inspection. If there are large amounts of creosote or soot build-up in your fireplace, it needs to be cleaned. Creosote is dangerous and can catch on fire if it is not cleaned out and covered properly.
The condition of the flue
The flue is the path of the smoke and gasses that go up and out of your chimney. The flue needs to be firmly attached to your chimney and be the appropriate size. If the flue is too small, smoke may back up into your home. If it’s too large, it won’t draw properly and can let humidity into your home.
The condition of the chimney crown
The crown is the top end of your chimney. It prevents water and debris from getting into your chimney. When it’s damaged, water and debris can seep in and cause structural damage to your home.
The condition of the roof around the chimney
The roof around the chimney is a potential source of damage during a heavy storm. Make sure the roof is securely fastened, and the flashing is in good condition. Most importantly, make sure the shingles are not curling or buckling.
Call Total Air Duct Cleaning
If your chimney inspection brings up any issues that need to be repaired or replaced, it’s likely that you’ll need to hire a professional for the job. If you don’t feel comfortable working on your chimney, hire a professional. It’s much safer to have a pro handle the job than to try to do it yourself and risk injury. The experts at Total Air Duct Cleaning are available in Dallas, TX, to provide chimney cleaning services. In short, call our team today!