We love to educate our customers in hopes that maybe all our chimney knowledge will somehow pay off during a trivia night…you never know, right? So here is some more fun chimney knowledge to add to your belt:
- You should be scheduling a chimney inspection on an annual basis – no matter your fuel or appliance type.
- There are three levels of chimney inspections – which level you need depends on several factors.
- The purpose of each overview is to spot any potential hazards or damages that could be putting your home or system at risk.
Why Schedule Now (In Springtime)?
Why does the Mid-Valley crew encourage springtime chimney sweep appointments?
- Less Costly Damage: After a long winter of regular use, chimneys can accumulate creosote, debris, and other buildup. Getting an inspection in the spring allows you to address any issues before they worsen. To sum up – spring inspections can catch issues such as cracks, leaks, or blockages before they become costly repairs.
- More Availability: Spring is typically a less busy time for chimney professionals compared to fall and winter (when everyone rushes to prepare their chimneys for the colder months). Scheduling an inspection in the spring may result in quicker service and more appointment options.
- No Delays Come Fall: Even if you are able to get an inspection booked early in fall, there’s always the chance that your system will need repairs before getting that first fire lit. And chances are, by the time your inspection time rolls around, the company’s calendar will already be pretty full. Avoid delays by getting any necessary work spotted and address earlier.
- Improved Safety: People use their fireplace less in the summer months, but sometimes people still want to get a fire or two going now and then. A chimney inspection ensures that your chimney is safe to use. Issues like creosote buildup or chimney blockages can pose fire hazards or lead to carbon monoxide poisoning if not addressed promptly.
Why Are Chimney Inspections So Important?
Do you remember when the Big Bad Wolf tried to blow the brick house down? The three little pigs were certainly on to something when they realized bricks were their best bet against that pesky wolf’s antics. Bricks have been used for chimney construction for centuries because they are sturdy, reliable, and tend to stand the test of time.
Yet, just because they’re sturdy and make great building material for chimneys, doesn’t mean they don’t need to be checked on a regular basis. As we said before, your chimney serves one essential function…to keep all the nasty stuff out of your living space while you enjoy the warmth and comfort of your home. Having your chimney inspected each year is the best way to take a proactive approach to keeping your chimney running safely and efficiently.
When it comes to your family, you’d do anything to keep them safe, right? Well, getting your chimney inspected each year is your best bet for making sure they can enjoy the system as safely as possible each and every time a fire is lit.
Most people are familiar with your classic masonry fireplace which is constructed of masonry bricks. When it comes to masonry chimneys, they have several components. Your typical parts are going to be the firebox, smoke chamber, damper, flue/flue liner, crown, and cap. Each of these parts plays a role in helping your chimney system get smoke and the other nasty stuff out of your home that results when you have a fire. They function like a team. We all know a team is only as good as its weakest link. That’s where chimney inspections come in.
If you own a brick chimney in Montgomery County, Cincinnati, Dayton, or somewhere nearby, Mid-Valley Chimney Repair & Sweeps is your one-stop shop for all of your chimney and fireplace needs.
What Happens During a Chimney Inspection?
There are three levels of chimney inspection, so the one you need will affect what the process will entail.
- Level 1: A level 1 inspection will basically be a simple visual analysis of the parts of your chimney system that one of our technicians can easily see both inside and outside of your home. These are a good fit if you haven’t made any changes to the type of fuel you’re using or to how often you use your chimney. As long as you’re keeping up with yearly maintenance, this level should suffice.
- Level 2: Next up, level 2 inspections. These include everything in a level 1 overview, but we also use our advanced video equipment to really see the ins and outs of your chimney. This is definitely the inspection you want when you purchase a home with a chimney. (We know, we know, you had to have a home inspection when you bought the house…but guess what? Those real estate inspections don’t cut it when it comes to proper chimney inspections.) A level 2 inspection is also a must if you’ve changed fuels, experienced a chimney fire or other damage, or if you’ve made any other big changes to your setup.
- Level 3: Most customers won’t ever need a level 3 inspection. This is the most extensive and is only done when severe damage or hazards are suspected inside. This level typically involves removing pieces of the structure of your chimney and or home to be able to really get up inside and see what’s going on.
Reach Out Today
The good news is that Mid-Valley Chimney has been proudly serving the area for years, and we’d love to help you out. We’ve got you covered whether you need an inspection, cleaning, new installation, or just have questions. Give our friendly staff a call today or you can reach out online – we’ve got your back when it comes to all things chimney related.