Chimneys Require Regular Checkups

One of the best parts of winter is settling in for a long night before a warm fire. But before building that roaring blaze, homeowners must remember that chimneys require regular checkups. Properly-working fireplaces and chimneys add value, beauty and comfort to a home. But if a home's chimney isn’t working properly, it can pose a fire or carbon monoxide risk.

Homeowners are the first line of defense. They can make regular checkups just by looking over the various parts of their chimneys. Excessive smoke and odor is a sure sign of trouble, often indicating a blockage in the chimney. Cracks in the mortar between the bricks, as well as visible stains, can indicate that water is leaking into chimneys and fireplaces.

For safety evaluations, checkups and repairs, it's important to call in the professionals.

Chimneys Can Develop Problems Over Time

Fire safety agencies recommend regular checkups by professional chimney cleaning companies, often called chimney sweeps. It’s a good idea to have a professional come in once a year to perform an extensive inspection. Regular checkups by professionals are not expensive, often costing less than $100.

The professionals will check for a buildup of soot, or creosote, which is created when wood is burned. Creosote sticks to the sides of chimneys and, if the buildup becomes too great, can cause odors and possibly catch fire. Experts recommend using seasoned hardwood and burning small, very hot fires to reduce the amount of creosote that builds up.

The chimney sweep will also climb onto the roof of the home to check the flashing where the chimney meets the roof, as well as the presence of caps to cover the flue. Flashing is sheet metal that prevents water from leaking through the roof and flue caps prevent water or debris from entering chimneys. Inspectors will also make sure that there are no tree branches or other obstructions to block the smoke leaving the chimney or possibly create a fire hazard. They will also check inside the chimney and flue to make sure birds or squirrels have not nested there.

The inspection will reveal whether or not the chimney should be cleaned. The cost of cleaning chimneys typically ranges from $100 to $200, depending on how extensive the job is.