Annual chimney inspections can help reduce the risk of health hazards caused by carbon monoxide poisoning or chimney fires due to creosote buildup. If you haven’t had your chimneys by a professional in the past year, you should schedule an appointment soon. In today’s post, local chimney repair and cleaning company Batts’ Chimney Services discusses what happens during a professional chimney inspection.
Visual Inspection
The first step of a professional chimney inspection is a visual inspection. This initial step involves assessing the overall condition of the chimney and looking for signs such as crumbling brickwork or accumulated soot. The firebox, damper, and other interior parts of the fireplace will also be inspected for other apparent problems. This step will help the chimney inspector on key decisions such as whether the chimney will need relining or if it will need new chimney caps, covers or crowns.
Camera Inspection
A professional chimney sweep will then use a camera to inspect the parts of the chimney that aren’t readily visible, like the insides of the chimney flue. This will allow a more thorough assessment of the chimney’s condition, paying attention to its inner components. The chimney inspector will look for signs of damage, and how much soot and creosote buildup is inside. Photos will be taken at every step for later review and for determining the cost of chimney cleaning and/or repair.
Smoke Test
A smoke test may also be conducted if the fireplace has not been used for a while. Smoke tests or chimney leakage tests involve setting off smoke pellets in the fireplace, then checking all parts of the house that’s adjacent to the flue. A draft test will also be conducted to determine how well the chimney evacuates gases.
What Happens Next?
Your chimney professional will create a report of your chimney’s condition, as well as draw an estimate of the repair and cleaning costs. Chimney inspections are ideally conducted during the cooling season because it will give your chimney professional to perform repairs without tying up your heating system.
Batts’ Chimney Services is a full-service chimney sweep company serving Northern Alabama and the Greater Birmingham area. Learn more about our services by calling us at (205) 956-8207 or (256) 660-1338. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.
