Why Chimney Inspection Is Important and What to Expect From One

During the colder seasons, one of the most memorable moments is curling up by the fireplace with a warm drink and a warm blanket while being surrounded by the whole family. That fond memory during your childhood is genuinely unforgettable, thanks to the fireplace that made it happen! For your house to make more great winter memories indoors, you should ensure that your chimney is well-maintained and can outlast the season. 

Unfortunately, not all homeowners think the same. Some are not familiar with the importance of hiring someone to ensure that their chimneys are still functioning throughout the year. After all, what’s the worst that could happen? A lot more than you might imagine, that’s for sure!

This article will explore the importance of chimney maintenance and all the questions surrounding it.

The Threat Caused by Your Chimney

Chimneys are not used all the time, and there is no special requirement needed before you start a fire with it. That makes it difficult to believe that these also require the same maintenance as other parts of the house. This misunderstanding, unfortunately, makes it quite common to fall behind on fireplace maintenance. However, forgetting to do it regularly will make your house a fire hazard!

Heating equipment accounts for the most reported home fires, with failure to clean chimneys as the leading factor contributing to these cases. 

Here is what you do not know happens inside a chimney that is not in use: your chimney innocently gathers all the smoke, gases, and other fire residues over time. These residues—called the creosote—are highly flammable! Brief exposure to a specific heat can instantly cause a chimney fire out of it. What is worse is that the longer you make the creosote stay in your chimney, the harder it is to remove and clean up. 

The chimney is also prone to carbon monoxide poisoning. Breathing in the noxious fumes may not immediately cause sickness, but it can definitely be detrimental to your health in the long run. 

If you want to avoid these from happening, consider scheduling annual maintenance from a  reliable contractor.

Proper Chimney Maintenance: What to Expect

Like the other parts of your home, a regular annual inspection for your chimney is necessary. Conducting one every year will help you learn the condition of your fireplace and if repairs or issues need to be addressed immediately.

Here is what you should expect when undergoing chimney maintenance:

• • Step 1: Inspectors will do a basic visual inspection of the entire fireplace. They will go through each part and make sure that they are in good condition. They usually use common tools like flashlights, screwdrivers, and pliers. They search for wear and tear and any indication of chimney problems.

  • Step 2: During this part, they are more likely to sweep your chimney to help them see the insides better. They use special equipment to inspect the hard to reach parts of the chimney thoroughly.
• • Step 3 (Conditional): This part of the maintenance is only crucial if demolition is required to rebuild parts of the chimney. It also uses some camera tools to reveal the chimney’s hidden details that can’t be seen with the naked eye. This part may also affect other parts of your home, so ensure to get a reliable professional to conduct these for you.

Conclusion

There is not much to expect during chimney maintenance, but it already has a huge impact on one’s home safety and security. If your home has a fireplace, make sure to schedule annual maintenance and check-up. That small act will guarantee the safety of your home during the winter.  

If you are looking for chimney repair services in Mississauga, Red Robin Masonry is here to do it for you! We will make sure that your chimney is running smoothly at times when you need it the most. Contact us today to book an appointment!