Having a fireplace in your home can be both a blessing and a curse. We can all admit that there’s nothing better than cozying up to a warm fireplace in the winter with a blanket and a good book. However, having a fireplace is not so fun when you remember how dangerous it could potentially be. Fortunately, with the proper upkeep and frequent inspections, you can enjoy safe fires in your fireplace all winter long. Let’s take a look at why chimney inspections are important and how often they should be performed.
When you live in a home with a fireplace, chimney inspections are nonnegotiable. Without them, you risk dangerous consequences, like a house fire. These fires can occur when a harmful and highly flammable substance known as creosote builds up along the inside of your chimney. Unfortunately, creosote is hard to spot for someone who isn’t a professional, but a proper chimney inspection can help you diagnose how much creosote is in your chimney. Again, due to the inability of the average homeowner to see what’s lurking in their chimney, there are additional things that a chimney inspector can see and diagnose. It is not uncommon for birds and other wildlife to find shelter in your chimney during the cold winter months. As much as you might want to let these critters stay, they can pose a threat to the safety of your home. When unwanted guests enter a chimney, they can obstruct the flue and block the gasses and byproducts of wood-burning fires from escaping. Carbon monoxide poisoning and dangerous fires can occur as a result. Lastly, hiring a professional for your chimney inspection instead of doing it yourself is crucial because they are trained in the best practices and can keep your home as safe as possible.
It is recommended that you have your chimney inspected at least once per year. If you think you use your fireplace more than the average homeowner, then you may want to consider scheduling an inspection more than once a year. Is it time for your annual chimney inspection? Instead of Googling “chimney cleaning and inspection near me”, choose Chimney Cricket for only the best services in Coatesville and the surrounding area. For over 35 years, we have been providing homeowners in the area with the most thorough chimney inspection services. We have an abundance of experience in working with every type of fireplace, so you can trust that we can take on your job. We are certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America and our team receives continuous education and training to further their skills.
Are you ready to take the next step in increasing the safety of your home? If you are ready to schedule your chimney inspection, then contact the team at Chimney Cricket today for only the best chimney services. We look forward to hearing from you!