You’ve likely been using your fireplace this winter. Even in Texas, temperatures have been dipping lower than usual, prompting homeowners to light a fire. It’s important that your fireplace is ready when you are.
Your Fireplace May be Unsafe
- If it hasn’t been cleaned in the last 12 months, or since you’ve taken ownership, it may be unsafe.
- If it hasn’t been inspected in the last 12 months, since you’ve taken ownership, if you’ve made a change to the system, or if there is an issue with the system.
- If you find it difficult to light a fire or keep a fire lit.
- If your fireplace emits odors smelling of barbecue, mildew, or decomposition.
- If you hear dripping inside the chimney or visibly see water dripping down the masonry inside or outside of the fireplace.
- If your fireplace is smoky, if it requires more wood than usual to reach the desired temperature, or a noticeable change has occurred.
Many things can go wrong with your fireplace and chimney system, and sometimes it is a minor issue. If you’ve tried troubleshooting, with no luck, you probably have a bigger issue with your fireplace and chimney. To avoid hazards such as fire or carbon monoxide exposure, your next call needs to be a professional chimney sweep.
Safety Standards for Your Home or Work
Whether you have a fireplace at your office or at your home, you can ensure the safety of yourself, your family, your staff, and more by keeping up with routine maintenance. Regular chimney sweeps and annual inspections are recommended by both the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) for the safest and most efficient fireplace possible. Most municipal codes require chimneys systems be serviced by a certified professional and that repairs are made according to the National Fire Safety Code. If your fireplace was built before these standards were in place, or if you have made changes without the help of a professional, it isn’t safe. Don’t risk burning a fire in an unsafe fireplace!
Work With Us
Even if your fireplace works and the chimney vents smoke, there is no way to ensure it’s safe unless you hire a chimney expert to assess it on an annual basis. Most of the issues that occur in a chimney will happen behind the scenes. By the time the average homeowner notices a problem, there could be serious damage behind the scenes–damage that may be a serious fire hazard or carbon monoxide risk.
When it’s time for your chimney sweep or inspection, do not put it off for another day. Call now and schedule an appointment with West Texas’ #1 choice for comprehensive chimney care.
Call (806) 358-0817 or request an appointment online.
Recent Comments