Why You Should Have Your Chimney Professionally Inspected

Chimneys can be dangerous. They can also be expensive when major repairs are required. Fortunately, by scheduling regular inspections by a licensed chimney inspector, you can prevent many safety issues and keep from spending money on chimney services that could have been avoided.

Ye Olde Brit Chimney Sweep of San Bernardino, CA, would like to share a little about the many benefits that regular chimney inspections will bring to you and your chimney.

Different chimney inspections for different needs

Chimney inspections generally fall into three categories, as outlined by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). The categories are:

Level 1 Chimney Inspection:

This is the basic inspection that covers all visible areas of your chimney system. This is the inspection that fire-safety and hearth organizations recommend be performed annually.

Level 2 Chimney Inspection:

Level 2 inspections are done when:

• You’re modifying your system, such as by connecting a new heating appliance to the chimney or having the chimney relined
• You’re selling your home
• A chimney fire or other event has happened and damage is suspected

Level 3 Chimney Inspection:

These inspections are called for when major damage is known to exist within the chimney system. Level 3 inspections often involve removing sections of the chimney structure and adjacent building materials of the home.

Spot early signs of chimney trouble

One of the primary jobs of a qualified chimney inspector is to detect early signs of damage or malfunction before serious safety and repair issues occur. A lot can go wrong with a chimney and its parts, and a good chimney inspector knows how to spot all of it.

Masonry issues: Damage to a chimney’s bricks and mortar will open up a path for water, which can cause widespread damage and rot throughout the chimney structure and adjacent areas of the home.

Damaged chimney liner: A chimney liner with cracks or splits will allow intense heat to harm the chimney’s interior masonry and parts of the home. Compromised liners are responsible for a lot of major fires and smoke damage every year.

Cracked chimney crown: The concrete crown that covers the top of your chimney around the flue opening is there to protect the chimney’s interior and the masonry below the crown. Water intrusion through cracks in the crown will eventually deteriorate the concrete.

Warped or rusted flashing: If the chimney flashing that seals the space between the chimney and the roof is warped or otherwise damaged, water can leak through it. The result can be deterioration of the masonry below the roof, rotting of home building materials and mold growth.

Damaged chimney cap: Damaged chimney caps allow water to enter the system and do serious harm to the chimney liner, fireplace damper and more.

These are just some of the chimney problems that a good chimney inspector can help you to prevent.

Is it time for your next chimney inspection?

If it’s been more than a year since your last inspection, or if you’re new to your home and don’t know the date of the most recent chimney inspection, now is the time to take action.

For more than 30 years, Ye Olde Brit has provided licensed chimney inspections and repairs for every type of Southern California chimney system. We know how to spot problems, and we know how to repair the problems we spot.

Talk with a San Bernardino chimney expert today at (909) 880-2120 or get in touch with our simple contact form.