When you use your chimney, you feel comforted by its warmth, so you’re often not thinking about the potential consequences of a poorly maintained chimney. As it turns out, heating equipment is the second leading cause of home fires in the U.S., and chimney fires account for the majority of these. Most chimney fires are totally preventable—as long as you understand your risk. Assess whether your chimney has the potential for a sudden fire by asking yourself the following questions and taking action to protect your home.
Call 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. for regular inspections and chimney cleaning in Lakeville. We provide honest, professional service for homeowners and take pride in delivering reliable results through our comprehensive chimney services.
An annual chimney inspection can also help homeowners meet maintenance requirements that many insurance policies require after a fire claim.
Are there damages to your chimney or fireplace?
The first way to tell whether your chimney is at risk is by taking seriously any damage you may have noticed on the masonry, in the firebox, with the flue, or in the smoke chamber and damper. Cracked or chipped tiles or liners, as well as cracked bricks and deteriorated mortar joints, allow a pathway for flames to reach the structure of the home and can lead to larger repair needs. Excessive creosote buildup in the firebox or chimney is another issue to look out for, as a single spark can ignite the creosote and start a massive fire. Even a 1/8-inch layer can ignite and create serious fire hazards. Creosote is a gummy, corrosive substance that sometimes forms as condensation collects in the chimney liner, while soot and debris can also affect venting and lead to smoke issues.
Have you had a chimney fire in the past?
If you’ve had a chimney fire before, your risk of another chimney fire or a home fire is particularly high. A prior chimney fire can crack flue tiles, damage the masonry, and leave issues that require chimney repair services or broader chimney repair services. In fact, you may be unaware that a chimney fire has occurred once before, so keep an eye out for flakes of creosote, warped TV antennae, masonry cracks, holes, discoloration, heat-related damage, poor overall shape, and signs of water damage or leaks, as hidden damage can also affect the chimney’s structure and nearby construction.
Rebuilding and tuckpointing are common chimney repair services that restore both the structural integrity and appearance of the masonry after a past chimney fire, and severe liner damage may require a new liner.
When’s the last time you scheduled chimney inspection and cleaning?
Regular chimney inspection and cleaning helps homeowners stay ahead of fire hazards and performance issues. Annual chimney inspection is recommended for all fireplaces, and professional chimney service following NFPA guidance supports the chimney’s safety. Inspections may be needed more often if the fireplace is used three or more times a week during winter. Experts and a chimney sweep will inspect every portion of your chimney following NFPA and CSIA standards to protect the home’s safety and support the heating system, looking for freeze-thaw damage, flue blockages, and issues within the chimney’s interior caused by Minnesota’s extreme weather conditions. A Level 1 inspection checks the basic structure, flue, and connections to confirm there are no obstructions or combustible deposits and that the system is clean. Level 2 and Level 3 inspections are more detailed and are typically performed when concerns exist or when requested by the homeowner. Camera tools may be used to inspect the chimney’s interior in more detail.
Keeping the flue and fireplace area clean reduces soot, dust, and blockage-related problems in the house and around the hearth. Prompt inspection can also support removal of nests or other obstructions and help keep your home warm.
Calling 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. for chimney cleaning in Lakeville gives you access to professionals certified by the CSIA, Call Us Today! 612.922.9600 or 1-888-PIXLEYS
