How to Spot Chimney Damage

The accumulation of creosote and soot in a chimney can be the cause of a chimney fire if the chimney is not cleaned on a regular basis. There are around 21,000 chimney fires that occur each year in the United States alone. Stoves made of brick, metal, and wood may all experience the same types of flames.

In most cases, these flames continue for an extended length of time, gradually eroding the structure of your smokestack. However, there is always the possibility that they could burst violently, destroying your chimney. Even if you don’t make regular use of your chimney, it’s important to get it inspected at least once a year. There are a lot of reasons why you should have a professional chimney sweep take care of it instead of doing it yourself, despite the fact that doing it yourself can seem like a realistic alternative.

There are a few things you should keep an eye out for on your chimney, however nothing can necessarily take the place of having it inspected once a year by a certified professional.
The mortar joints are typically one of the first aspects of chimneys to deteriorate as time passes. If they are not performing their duties, it can result in a buildup of moisture, which can cause significant damage to the remainder of the chimney as well as the building that surrounds it. If you don’t fix them as quickly as possible, moisture can get into the bricks or other material, which can lead to a phenomenon known as spalling.

The structural integrity of the chimney is further compromised when spalling occurs, which occurs when water penetrates the stone and causes the surface to explode outward. Rust surrounding the fireplace itself is another another significant indicator that moisture may be getting into your home through a flawed piece of brickwork. If you notice that the wallpaper surrounding the chimney is peeling or damaged in any way, this is most likely because there is an opening that has to be patched up.

If you peek inside of a chimney, you could see broken fragments in the fireplace itself. These bits are the consequence of a damaged flue, which can be seen in the chimney. Damage caused by fire can also be seen in a few other ways. For example, the creosote that coats the interior of the chimney liner itself will take on a puffy or honeycombed appearance as time passes.

If the fire was towards the top end of the chimney, you could see that the rain cap has become misshapen, that any TV antennae have been damaged, or even that the surrounding roofing material has been damaged. If you are experiencing any of these issues, it is highly recommended that you hire a qualified chimney sweep to do further inspections and make any necessary repairs.

What Kind of Services Can You Count on From a Professional?
A qualified chimney sweep will arrive at your home with all of the equipment required to properly care for your chimney. Not just creosote brushes, but also vacuum cleaners, chemical cleansers, and even cameras might fall within this category. Not only will a professional cleaning worker have the appropriate attire, but they will also be able to display their qualification.

Certification can be obtained via either the National Fireplace Institute or the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), both of which are non-profit organizations (NFI). If you’re not sure what to do, err on the side of caution at all times. Hiring someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing might not only be a waste of your time and money, but it can also cause a lot of difficulties in the future.

If you have any concern or inquiries but is not sure who to ask for help, you can call Local chimney Sweep Cleaning to help you. We also offer professional Chimney Cleaning El Dorado and repairing.

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