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While hairline and superficial cracks are often overlooked, they should be repaired as soon as possible. Your chimney cap is critical to the operation of your fireplace system. It keeps out the elements, as well as birds, rodents, and other creatures looking for a place to nest.
We recommend that you test the gas fireplace in every home to make sure they are operating properly. If they have not been run in a long time they can take a little time to get running. Some of these can be very dangerous to light so be very cautious and if you don’t feel 100% safe call a professional.
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Creosote Buildup – Creosote is a compound that results from wood that isn’t fully burned. It’s light and gets blown up into your chimney on heatwaves and smoke from your fire and stays there until it’s removed. Creosote is one of the leading causes of chimney fires and can also cause numerous health issues ranging from skin irritation to the risk of cancer. After going through this fireplace inspection checklist, you should know what to expect from an inspection process. If you ever notice any changes in your fireplace or chimney, be sure to call a professional immediately so they can perform an inspection.
This part of your home must be built correctly and positioned right at all times. When you burn wood you must have an adequate air flow into the burn chamber so that the wood will burn at the right speed. If you mostly use the oil furnace and then switch to using wood, many homeowners forget to check their air damper on the chimney. This will cause the smoke to be blown back into the home, or the wood to burn inefficiently. Wood furnaces can be installed to work in conjunction with systems using other fuels such as oil, natural gas and electricity.
Keep the Firebox Clean
Your report should include photos and clearly outlined information about all major elements inspected, as well as recommendations for next steps. A home inspection is a visual inspection performed by a trained professional to determine the condition of a home’s main elements. The inspection usually takes several hours, during which the professional takes multiple photos and notes, tracking information for a final report. After the inspection, the pro will create a printed report, complete with photos and detailed information, summarizing the condition of the house. Home inspections are also used by real estate agents and home sellers to address any concerns before putting a home on the market. Longtime homeowners can also schedule a home inspection to get a snapshot of their current home condition and identify any issues that need to be addressed.
You should have a detector installed in your home near your fireplace and any gas-based appliances. Be sure to call for firefighters to help if your alarm goes off and stay out of your home until you are cleared to re-enter. The Level 1, 2, and 3 fireplace inspection classifications are governed by the National Fire Protection Association. Hairline cracks are not a major concern but should still be fixed.
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When considering central heating with wood, your heating retailer or contractor is your best source of information on available systems and their suitability for your home. Since the installation of central heating appliances is complex and requires several specialized skills, it is recommended that you hire professionals to do the work. A regular home inspection usually only includes a brief visual examination of the fireplace and chimney.
WIN Home Inspection's Fireplace and Chimney Inspection goes beyond what the home inspection evaluates in the fireplace and chimney. Using advanced tools, we can take a deeper look at the interior of the chimney flue. Depending on the chimney service you call, a wide range of areas are checked or inspected. During such inspections, tools such as ladders are rarely used. The only exception will be when sweeping is required or some repairs are necessary.
What Does A Fireplace Inspection Cost?
Expect to pay more than $100 per inspection if you hire professionals. When using a do-it-yourself approach, you must take the necessary precautions. Inspections aid in the development of proper maintenance procedures.
A Chimney and Fireplace Inspection is a thorough evaluation of the current condition of both the fireplace and chimney. This inspection should be done annually as it can help identify potential problems that could become health or safety issues. During this inspection, a highly trained and certified WIN home inspector will look for any visible damage, wear and tear, leaks or blockages. By identifying potential problems early, you can protect your home and family while avoiding unnecessary and costly repairs.
A basic fireplace inspection and cleaning take about an hour. This inspection includes all covered or concealed areas of your chimney that can only be accessed with specialized tools. This service is only offered to chimneys that have sustained significant structural damage. To assess potential damage to other structural components of your home, this type of inspection may call for demolition.
Without inspections, you’re likely to be oblivious to the need to have your chimney swept or cleaned. This is likely to result in chimney fires which can be deadly. Chimney inspections save you cost in the sense that you’re able to fix problems at their early stage before they worsen. So, which of these chimney and fireplace inspections is best?
If you are looking for a detailed assessment of your fireplace and chimney, a level 2 inspection is the best option. The second level involves a detailed dive into your fireplace and chimney using specialized tools like video equipment. A chimney inspection at level 1 is the kind of examination you should do once a year. This inspection aims to make sure that your chimney is clear of obstructions and look for wear and tear or breakage indications. The cap is a metal cover that sits at the top of the chimney to keep water and debris out. The inspector will make sure it’s still in good condition and not missing any pieces.
Even minor flaws in the integrity of your chimney cap can cause problems. According to the American Society of Home Inspectors, a home inspection covers some fireplace components but not all. The flue, seals and gaskets, fireplace surrounds, and other parts are not part of a home inspection. Countless instances of carbon monoxide deaths exist as a result of a gas leak within the home.
To Ensure Your Fireplace is Safe to Use
For instance, the flue vent could be blocked by leaves, twigs, animal nests, or other debris, causing a backdraft into your home. Backdrafts occur when the gases produced by fire can't be properly released through the chimney, forcing smoke and other pollutants back into your home through the fireplace. And when seeking professional services, ensure you hire a licensed chimney inspector with the necessary training and experience to conduct a thorough assessment of your fireplace. The third and last level of fireplace inspection is the most in-depth and requires special tools and training. This level of assessment should only be conducted by a certified professional. Most fireplace inspectors recommend a level 2 inspection if they notice a problem with your fireplace and chimney in the first level of assessment.
Read along to find out why you need regular fireplace inspections, the potential hazards, and what cost you can expect from a licensed fireplace inspector. It is good to have your fireplace inspected and cleaned by a professional once per year. This will help you identify any potential issues that could be dangerous and prevent the build-up of creosote, soot, and other substances that can cause fires. Perhaps the most common issue seen during a fireplace inspection is excess creosote. This highly flammable substance accumulates on the walls of the chimney and other areas as a result of burning wood. Creosote buildup can eventually cause a chimney fire, which can do serious damage to the chimney and even the house.
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