A chimney can seem like a pretty simple part of your home. A fire is lit and smoke rises, right? Unfortunately, your chimney can contain a range of hidden dangers that you may not expect, dangers that can impact how well your chimney drafts and put your family at risk. The following are some potential issues that make annual chimney inspections mandatory for Indianapolis homeowners.
Hidden Dangers: Why Annual Chimney Inspections Are Non-Negotiable
Blockages
Whether it’s a bunch of leaves that fell down an open chimney top, a bird’s nest, or other debris that is blocking your chimney, a blockage can cause serious problems when you start a fire. Blockages prevent smoke from leaving your chimney easily and can cause smoke to back up into your home, creating potential for carbon monoxide poisoning.
Creosote
Creosote is a tar-like substance that forms when rising smoke cools. If the smoke cools too quickly, whether due to a cold chimney or a cool fire, you can have a lot of creosote build up in your chimney. Because creosote is flammable, this creates a good environment for a chimney fire, which can cause serious damage to your chimney or lead to a larger house fire.
Damage
Whether it’s from a tree branch that fell during the winter or other debris from last summer’s tornado, chimney damage isn’t always easy to discover. Damage to your chimney’s interior can cause creosote to build up, poor drafting, blockages, and similar issues of concern. A chimney inspection reveals this hidden danger before anyone gets hurt.
Rough Edges
Whether it’s spalling from a small chimney fire, insect nests, the march of time, or poor construction, rough edges inside your chimney provide a place for blockages and creosote to build up, leading to other hazards. Unfortunately, spotting these rough edges takes specialized expertise and equipment beyond what most homeowners have available.
By having an annual chimney inspection and cleaning, Indianapolis residents can avoid these dangers and ensure that their families remain safe and sound. If you need your chimney inspected, repaired, or cleaned, the experienced professionals at Clean Sweep 317 are ready to help. Please feel free to reach out today with any questions, for more information, or to schedule an appointment with one of our friendly team members.