Why You Should Get a Chimney Inspection

Chimney inspections are critical for keeping your chimney and fireplace system running safely and efficiently. But why do we suggest scheduling inspections early in the year?

Doodlebuggers Fireplace, Grill & Outdoor Store performs many inspections throughout the Pensacola, FL, and Destin, FL, areas, and we’ve found that having inspections performed shortly after the New Year’s festivities are over is ideal for many homeowners.

For one thing, it’s easy to remember. You probably have a list of things to accomplish as the new year moves along, so adding chimney inspection and service to the list is a way to make sure it gets done.

Another reason for a mid-winter inspection is that chimney inspectors tend to be very busy at most other times of the year. This can make it difficult to get someone out to your house at a time that’s convenient for you.

Finally, a chimney inspection early in the year will make it easier to schedule any repair work that might be needed. Chimney repair technicians, like chimney inspectors, often get swamped as the year progresses, so early scheduling of repair projects is best for everybody concerned.

What happens during a chimney inspection?

Licensed chimney inspectors do a lot more than just take a cursory glance at your chimney. Depending on the chimney’s needs, three different levels of inspection can be performed. These levels are standard in the industry and are recommended by the Chimney Safety Institute of America.

Level 1 chimney inspection: This is the basic inspection, during which the inspector will closely examine all visible areas of your chimney, including the masonry, the chimney cap, the chimney crown and other components.

Many of the most common chimney repairs are needed for damage to the masonry or one or more of the chimney’s components.

Level 2 chimney inspection: A Level 2 inspection is recommended when:

• The home is in the process of being sold
• The system is being altered, such as when adding a gas insert to a wood-burning masonry fireplace or when installing a new chimney liner
• A chimney fire or other event has happened and unseen damage is suspected

Level 2 chimney inspections include video imaging to allow the technician to see “invisible” parts of the flue.

Level 3 chimney inspection: When severe damage to the chimney system has occurred, a Level 3 inspection is called for. This inspection typically involves removing sections of the chimney structure and parts of the building materials of the home near the chimney in order to get to the problem.

Chimney inspections support operational safety

Many things can go wrong with a chimney system that can lead to dangerous operating conditions. Problems might include:

• Excess creosote in the flue, which can cause a chimney fire
• Leaks in the chimney that will cause widespread water damage
• Cracked bricks and crumbling mortar that can eventually lead to a chimney collapse
• Damage to the chimney cap, crown or flashing, all of which can usher in serious water damage
• Cracked or decayed chimney liner, which will allow dangerous carbon monoxide to leak into your home and could cause a house fire

A proper chimney inspection is the best way to spot these and other problems and get them resolved.

Call your Florida chimney experts today

The skilled chimney technicians at Doodlebuggers are ready to help with your New Year’s chimney inspection and all other chimney services you might need at any time of year.

Speak with a chimney expert today at 850-477-1151 in Pensacola, FL, or at 850-243-0154 in the Destin, FL, area. You can also get in touch with us online using our handy contact form.