Inspections Can Prevent Major Chimney Problems

• 

By working with a chimney inspector, you can resolve simple problems before they develop into major, costly issues. In most neighborhoods, there are a few common problems that inspectors discover when they examine a chimney. When an inspector detects minor issues and resolves them, a fireplace’s performance and efficiency increase dramatically.

Obstructions

When obstructions are found in a chimney, smoke can’t exit the shaft properly. As a result, a fire won’t burn well because flames need oxygen to grow and stabilize. Many things above a house can clog a chimney after landing inside of a chimney shafting. The main environmental hazards include

• Nests
• Trash
• Foliage

Creosote

As a fire burns in a fireplace, smoke flows up the chimney shaft and leaves creosote on the walls. Creosote is a unique substance that’s made up of carbonaceous chemicals, and it’s tough to remove without professional tools because tar is one of the main components.

The best way to keep creosote off your chimney is by seeking inspection services on a regular basis. If inspections are delayed, any creosote that generates in the chimney will develop a hard coating. Once the coating thickens, the risk of a fire igniting increases dramatically.

Flue Cracks

All chimney shafts have flue tiles that can crack. Cracks usually generate on tiles following severe weather events and when very hot air exits a chimney shaft. You can’t prevent tile damage that’s caused by lightning. However, you can prevent high heat that causes cracking by burning less firewood in the fireplace. Besides these problems, there are many other common chimney issues. For example, if the grout around a chimney weakens, a technician may have to implement procedures to strengthen the bricks. However, if you seek a chimney inspection in DC often, the process of keeping your chimney in peak condition will be easy.