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Regular chimney inspections are critical to the safety of your home, pets, and family. However, you must know what to look for to ensure your chimney is operating as it should. Factors like cracks or clogs can be extremely dangerous and pose risks of carbon monoxide poisoning and fire. Therefore, it’s important to have a professional from The Chimney Sweep in Kernersville, NC, on hand to assist with chimney maintenance and repairs.

Providing quality workmanship since 1980, this team takes pride in helping residents ensure safety and comfort at home. Below, they offer insights on the key elements to look for when inspecting your home’s chimney.

How to Do a Simple Chimney Inspection

1. Identify Your Chimney Lining

Chimney flues can be lined with a variety of different materials, from concrete to clay tiles to sheet metal. Identifying what your chimney is made with is the first step in knowing what to look for during an inspection. When examining your chimney, wear goggles and a mask before laying a drop cloth in the fire pit to take a look.

2. Inspect for Cracks & Warping

If your chimney flue is lined with cast-in-place concrete or clay, it’s a good idea to check the surface for cracks. These breaks in the lining can lead to sparks or exhaust fumes escaping into your home, which can be very dangerous.

chimney inspectionIn the event your flue is lined with sheet metal, you’ll want to inspect it for any signs the material is warping. If the metal looks warped, it can cause the chimney to function incorrectly and also pose a risk to your home’s safety. You’ll need an expert to help you fix this.

3. Take a Look at the Creosote Levels

Chimneys of all kinds will develop a buildup of creosote, a byproduct of combustion in your fireplace. While creosote deposits are normal, they are also highly flammable and can result in chimney fires if the deposits become too thick (more than ⅛ inches).

Once creosote deposits reach this level, you should clean out your flue using a shop vac and a wire brush. If you’re worried about handling this job yourself, you can also call a chimney cleaning service to take the tough and dirty job off your hands.

If you come across signs of issues during your chimney inspection, it’s best to call an expert for assistance immediately. You’re in good hands with The Chimney Sweep, one of the best maintenance teams in the area. Give them a call today at (336) 993-8999 to schedule an appointment, or visit the website for more information.

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