Your fireplace chimney has worked hard to provide warmth in your home during the colder season. But as it ensures your comfort amid those chilly days, it has also accumulated creosote, soot and debris over time.
Buildup and blockages can prevent your chimney from functioning properly. Keep an eye out for creosote buildup, a major cause of chimney fire, by scheduling a chimney inspection.
1. Structural Integrity
Inspectors check for any indications of problems on the main parts of your chimney, fireplace and hearth.
2. Obstructions
Leaves, animal nests and other kinds of debris may end up in your chimney. These can block or impede smoke, gas or any combustible byproducts, such as creosote and cause chimney fires.
3. Combustibles
Pros ensure that combustibles aren’t able to reach any building material, and there’s no significant creosote buildup to cause a fire hazard.
Different Types of Chimney Inspection
Depending on what prompted the need for a chimney inspection, the level of inspection conducted by the pros will vary. A level-one chimney inspection is the most basic type of inspection. It’s enough if you simply want your chimney examined as part of regular maintenance. This type of inspection usually involves a visual check of the fireplace and chimney; no climbing or special equipment is necessary.
If you’ve recently experienced an extreme weather event, pros would recommend a level-two inspection. This requires the inspector to climb onto the roof and check the attic and crawlspace. Additionally, it involves video scanning, use of special tools and searching for any damage. This type of inspection is also ideal if you have done a major roof repair or any significant change in your home.
Typically done after a chimney fire, level-three inspection resembles a demolition job. It’s considered destructive and intrusive as it requires access to hidden areas adjacent to the chimney. This may disturb the drywall or involve tearing down and rebuilding the chimney and walls.
With their expertise in roof maintenance, chimney inspection and vinyl siding, Roof Masters has become a trusted name in the industry. Call us at (888) 889-7551, or fill out our contact form to get a free quote. We serve customers in Montgomery County, MD, and nearby areas.
