Avoid Chimney Fires & Other Disasters By Scheduling Chimney Cleanings & Inspections With Us
Here at Integrity Chimney, we know how important it is to protect your home and those living within it. We take the safety of our customers seriously, which is why doing everything possible to prevent chimney and fireplace damage is a big part of our mission.
All in all, we believe it’s better to prevent issues altogether, rather than wait until they turn into big damages that cause harm to your home and/or require expensive repair work. And a surefire way to do this is by scheduling annual inspections and investing in cleanings per your sweep’s recommendations.
We Offer 3 Levels of Inspections
As Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)-certified sweeps, we’re trained and equipped to inspect any chimney, no matter what state it’s currently in. We offer three levels of inspections, so you can feel confident calling on us, no matter if you need a quick checkup before your burning season or a more thorough overview after a hazardous event (like a chimney fire, tornado, flood, etc.).
Here’s a brief overview of each:
Level 1: We’ll look over all parts of the chimney that are already exposed or can be easily exposed without the use of tools or other equipment. We’ll also be ensuring your chimney is structurally sound, functioning efficiently, and free of any obstructions or fire hazards that could put you or the system at risk.
Level 2: Everything in the level 1 inspection is covered, with the addition of a video or camera scan to ensure all parts of the flue interior are examined. We’ll also check for proper clearances, as well as use necessary tools to inspect various portions of the chimney in the attic, basement, or any crawl spaces. (Keep in mind, this does not mean any destruction or demolition of the chimney or fireplace takes place.)
Note: If you’re buying or selling a home, it’s a level 2 inspection you’ll want to book with a CSIA- certified sweep. We’d be happy to complete a thorough real estate chimney inspection if you’re in this boat.
Level 3: These are more of a last resort when neither a level 1 or a level 2 inspection is revealing the cause of your chimney issues. We’ll need to get to the concealed portions of your system, which may mean removing walls or other permanent sections of your home, fireplace, or chimney, as necessary.
What Do Inspections & Cleanings Help Me Avoid?
What problems are you sure to avoid by booking inspections and any necessary maintenance year after year?
- Chimney Fires: Chimney fires are what occur when flames snake up your chimney and cause significant damage and deterioration along the way. Your firebox is built to withstand this high heat, but not the rest of your system. Fortunately, since creosote is the leading cause of chimney fires, most of these fires can be avoided by having professional cleaning completed on a regular basis.
- Poor Air Flow: A chimney without good air flow is a recipe for disaster. Proper draft ensures your system is safe for use, helping you avoid backdrafts and various fire hazards, and it enables the system to function as efficiently as possible too.
- Chimney Damages: Did you know most major damages can be prevented by having inspections completed on an annual basis? It gives the sweep the opportunity to spot minor issues early on, so you avoid bigger (and more costly) problems down the line. In the end, you’ll be saving significant dollars over time by scheduling inspections every single year.
- Broken Down or Missing Components: A chimney without a chimney cap is a recipe for disaster. The same goes for your damper, flashing, chase cover, and the like. Every piece of your chimney plays a role in protecting it, so ensuring all parts are present and up to par is essential. Inspections ensure any missing or broken components are spotted well before they leave your chimney vulnerable to bigger issues.
- Cold Fires: The term “cold fires” may sound like a bit of an oxymoron, but hear us out… It’s a fact that some fires burn cooler than others, and while this is sometimes simple to resolve (using different wood, opening your damper wider, etc.), sometimes the solutions aren’t so simple. If your fires aren’t burning as hot, and you can’t seem to figure out why, a thorough inspection is sure to reveal the issue.
- Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Exposure: If you’re experiencing clogs or damage, smoke, carbon monoxide, and other dangerous fumes are more likely to enter your living space, which can greatly affect the wellbeing of those within it.
Don’t Wait to Book Your Inspection
We’ve covered the bigger (and more common) problems here, but when it comes to your chimney and fireplace, there is an endless list of issues that only an expert in the field can spot and resolve. And the sooner you get your inspection booked, the better! In fact, many push this maintenance to the fall and winter months, when it is actually better done in the spring and summer.
So, once your burning season wraps up, don’t hesitate to get on the phone with our qualified crew. Just dial 570-221-4113 – we’d be happy to help you out every step of the way.
We handle all sorts of chimney repairs as part of our professional chimney and fireplace services, so reach out to us today.