For a safe and efficient chimney, homeowners should schedule chimney inspections annually. These appointments may be the only time during the life of your chimney that a professional gets a look at it. Only a professional has the training and experience to evaluate the entire chimney system for safety and function.
Mr. Smokestack Chimney Service offers comprehensive chimney services, including CSIA inspections, year-round for the convenience of our customers. We know that it’s difficult to fit maintenance into the schedule, so we also allow forward-scheduling so that you’re on the books! It’s our goal to keep Raleigh and surrounding areas safer with each year. Depending on what time of year it is, and how long it’s been since a chimney has been inspected, there are common issues that we see.
Fire Damage
A large percentage of flue fires occur without the homeowner knowing it. The fire ignites, and then burns out when it burns up the available fuel and runs out of sufficient air. Even a small flue fire can damage a liner, however. Clay tile liners may break apart and create a void in the flue due to fire. A flue fire can also add damage to already spalling masonry.
Spalling Masonry
Homeowners can see spalling masonry if it is on the exterior and visible. However, there is a good portion of masonry that is hidden from a homeowner’s eye. A chimney inspection often results in the discovery of cracking and crumbling mortar within the chimney’s interior itself, as well as voids in the joints. Once this damage is discovered, Mr. Smokestack Chimney Service can repair it through a process called tuckpointing.
Water Damage
Like fire damage and spalling, chimney leaks may occur for months or years before it is noticed or causes noticeable damage to the outside of the chimney system. Much of the damage from chimney leaks occurs on the interior of the system, and water damage can be devastating.
When a chimney is built, it is built to last. The only reason for a chimney to become unusable is from neglect, and neglect means unsafe and inefficient. An annual inspection keeps the chimney system working safely, prevents major damage that costs you major money, and prevents injuries, death, and loss of property due to fire. Mr. Smokestack Chimney Service offers level one, two, and three chimney inspections by CSIA certified technicians and commonly discovers the following issues during video inspections:
- Flue pipe cracks
- Damage caused by chimney fires
- Obstructions in the flue
- Broken or missing flue pipe sections
- Missing mortar or gaps in flue sections
- Hidden breaches (gaps) in the chimney
Contact Us Now
You can talk to a chimney expert about video scanning when you schedule your inspection appointment. Do not put your family, your property, or your community at risk by using an unsafe chimney. Schedule your inspection annually.
Call us at Mr. Smokestack Chimney Service or start an appointment online at your convenience.
