Chimney Cleaners Do Inspections Too

Chimney cleaners do much more than clean chimneys - chimney cleaners do inspections too.

Chimney cleaning companies, called chimney sweeps, provide services ranging from cleaning and inspecting chimneys and fireplaces to making necessary repairs or even installing new components. The services they provide are vital for the safety of your fireplace – and for the safety of your home and family.

Perhaps the most important task they handle is inspecting chimneys and fireplaces. Fire prevention experts say that dirty and blocked chimneys are the cause of almost 40 percent of all home fires. They advise homeowners to have their chimneys inspected annually. Professional chimney cleaners inspect the chimney, the firebox and hearth, and they employ trained professionals with the expertise to detect potentially dangerous problems.

Over time, flaws can develop in even the most well-constructed chimneys and fireplaces. The flue can become blocked, or cracks can develop in the chimney liner. Cracks can lead to ventilation problems; blockages can obstruct the flow of smoke and harmful gases such as carbon monoxide out of the house, putting families at risk of being poisoned.

An even more common problem that an inspection will detect is the dangerous buildup of creosote on the chimney walls. Creosote, a byproduct of wood burning, is highly flammable. Each year, chimney fires tragically claim lives and cause millions of dollars in property damage.

An inspection can also tell a homeowner if it’s time for the fireplace and chimney to be cleaned. How often the chimney should be swept depends on a number of factors, ranging from how often the chimney is used to the type of wood that is burned to the age of the chimney. Some chimney cleaners recommend annual cleanings. Others say chimneys should be swept one time for each cord of wood burned.

Basic inspections are not expensive, typically ranging from $50 to $150. Inspections are sometimes required when homes are sold and come in several levels, defined by the National Fire Protection Association. The basic level is the most common and essentially is an examination of the most easily accessible areas of the chimney, fireplace and flue. This type of inspection will tell homeowners if their chimneys are safe for use.

More extensive inspections probe deeper into the heating systems, and may include the removal of building and chimney components to gain access to concealed areas. Fireplaces are wonderful additions to any home, and with a few simple steps – beginning with annual inspections and visits from the chimney cleaners - homeowners can ensure their families stay warm and safe.