The look of vines climbing up a home’s walls can add beauty to the structure. A bit of color on your walls and on the roof is always a nice touch, and it add to the charm of nearly any home. However, there are some concerns you might not think of when it comes to the greenery on the side of your home. But our experts are often cautious about letting the growth get out of control, at least when it comes to your chimney.
2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Chimney Inspection’
Should You Worry about Vines Climbing Up the Chimney?
Monday, April 18th, 2016What You Should Know about Structural Issues and Your Chimney
Tuesday, April 12th, 2016A fireplace adds warmth and beauty to the inside of your home, while a chimney gives a welcoming look to the outside of your building. Sometimes, chimneys are so old and worn, they can have structural damage on the outside that you may or may not notice. When you do notice the issue, however, you might think it adds even more of a vintage look and feel, with the occasional masonry damage just adding quirkiness to your home. However, there are some things you should know about your chimney and how structural damage can really affect you.
What Can We Find with a Chimney Inspection?
Tuesday, March 22nd, 2016We know that spring is here and you don’t think too much about the condition of your heating equipment right now. But you’d be surprised to hear about what types of problems may have developed in your chimney over the past couple of seasons. Schedule a chimney inspection each and every year, so that you can feel confident that your family is safe the next time you use your chimney.
Don’t Move In without a Chimney Inspection
Monday, February 8th, 2016When you are moving into a new home, there may be a lot on your mind. You’re curious about the neighbors, the room sizes, or whether there’s enough space to grow a vegetable garden in the backyard. You might be concerned about renovating the kitchen or adding in efficient appliances, so you overlook the seemingly smaller parts of the house that deserve attention too.
White Deposits around the Chimney: Is Efflorescence a Big Deal?
Monday, November 30th, 2015If you’ve noticed a crystallized white substance or a whitish (or even brown, yellow, or green) powder around your chimney, you’re not alone. This is a common experience for homeowners with masonry chimneys, especially very old ones. And the substance itself can generally clear away just by brushing it, or it may even clear away on its own as the weather changes.
Is It Time for a Chimney Inspection?
Tuesday, October 27th, 2015Your chimney may seem to be in good condition from the outside, but looks can be deceiving. It’s likely that your chimney has some amount of wear and tear from the previous year’s use and a period of no use over the summer months. Whether that’s a small amount of creosote built up inside of the chimney or damage to the masonry, it could mean a fire risk in your home.
Don’t Fall for a Chimney Cleaning Scam
Monday, October 26th, 2015Whether you use your fireplace most nights or only a few times during the winter, chimney sweeping is so important to your home safety. Cleaning the chimney rids it of creosote and other harmful deposits that could lead to a chimney fire. During the initial inspection, the chimney sweep may discover an issue with your chimney that needs prompt repair, protecting your home from danger. But some companies prey on those who know little about chimney cleaning or have never had it done professionally before, scamming customers and putting their homes in further jeopardy. Look out for these scams so that you know your next chimney cleaning is completed properly.
Is Your Chimney Finally Out of Commission?
Monday, October 12th, 2015You may have been told by a home inspector that your chimney should be capped and remain unused. A damaged chimney cannot properly vent hazardous combustion byproducts away from the home, such as carbon monoxide. Cracks in the chimney liner or in the masonry can also allow fire to spread to the home quickly, which is why an impaired chimney should never be used. However, when you get in touch with a chimney professional, you may find that there are a couple of options available to you.
What You Must Do for Your Chimney and Fireplace before Winter
Tuesday, September 29th, 2015Fall is finally here, which means the nights are getting cooler and soon you’ll be able to lounge in front of the fire of your fireplace. But are your fireplace and chimney ready for the fall and the long winter ahead? Make sure that these parts of your home are safe and efficient by following our tips. For more information, contact a local chimney sweep!
What You Should Know When Selling a Home with a Chimney
Monday, September 28th, 2015If you’re ready to sell your home, you know there’s a lot of work that leads up to the final transaction. Putting your home on the market involves selecting a real estate company to work with, staging your home for an open house, and boosting the curb appeal as well. You also have to disclose some important information about your home, and if there is a chimney on your property, the new buyer has a right to know about its condition.