Your chimney system may be the most important appliance in your home. It can definitely be the most dangerous if not properly maintained. You wouldn’t light a candle without first making sure it’s not near flammable curtains, a can of gasoline, or a young child who can be burned, right? Don’t light a fire in a fireplace that isn’t well-maintained and a chimney that isn’t inspected annually. Taking steps to take care of your chimney system may be what saves your home and your life.
Routine Chimney Sweeps
The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) both recommend routine maintenance for the safest and most efficient chimney system. Scheduling routine chimney sweeps will ensure your firebox, smoke chamber, and flue are clean of ash, soot, creosote, and any other debris that can catch fire or obstruct airflow. Scheduling with West Texas Chimney and Venting Solutions means your system will be cleaned in one quick appointment, with no mess and no bother. Our technicians use only enough space to properly use tools at your fireplace, brushes are used to clean away soot and creosote, and it’s all contained in a vacuum system that protects your home from ash dust and harmful gases.
Annual Chimney Inspections
Industry professionals see the value in annual chimney inspections. Not only do certified chimney sweeps offer CSIA inspections, but your realtor, lawyer, homeowners insurance provider, and municipal code officers will look for your chimney inspection report as well. When the report has a CSIA signature, you know it’s worth it.
Level 1, 2, and 3 inspections encompass all chimney function and use. Schedule a level 1 inspection when there isn’t a concern about your chimney. You may also schedule a level 1 inspection when there’s been no change, and your fireplace/chimney use will be the same. A level 2 inspection is a more thorough assessment. Use this when a change has been made, when there are signs of trouble, or when the chimney has experienced an occurrence that can cause damage (tornado, earthquake, hurricane, fire, etc.). A level 2 inspection is also necessary before the sale or transfer of land. When your technician finds an area of concern, a level 3 inspection will determine the cause of the problem.
Each inspection will keep your chimney working and your family safe. If you haven’t had your chimney inspected or cleaned in the last 12 months, schedule an inspection now. Don’t burn a fire in a fireplace that isn’t inspected annually.
What You Can Do
You can take care of your chimney in between professional appointments just like you brush your teeth in between dental exams.
- Empty the ash from your firebox. Too much ash can make it difficult to light a fire and cause logs and coals to fall out of the fireplace. Use an appropriate metal bucket and long-handled ash shovel to remove ashes from the firebox. However, leave ¼ inch to insulate the bottom of the firebox. Carry the ashes outside the house before disposing of them.
The average homeowner won’t notice signs of chimney damage until there is costly hidden damage behind-the-scenes. What is a small issue in the fall can become a serious hazard by spring. Scheduling inspections and sweeps through the year will ensure your chimney is safe and efficient. Schedule with West Texas Chimney and Venting Solutions today.
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