Have you had your chimney inspected recently? It's best to have your chimney examined by a professional every year to ensure your safety. According to Bob Vila, there are over 25,000 chimney fires, causing over $120 million in damage, that occur in the United States annually. Many of these fires could be avoided with the help of a chimney inspector. Read on to learn what a chimney inspector does during a routine visit.

Look for Cracks

A chimney inspector will thoroughly evaluate your chimney for cracks. Chimneys are designed to carry smoke and gas produced by burning wood up and away from your home. Cracks in your chimney can create a path for gases to re-enter your living space. When this occurs, it can create the conditions to start a chimney fire, or it may even explode. Ensuring that your chimney has no cracks is essential to the safe operation of your fireplace.

Check the Flue

The chimney flue is an important part of your chimney. It moves gas and smoke away from the fire. The chimney inspector will check to ensure the flue can open and close properly. One of the signs that your flue is not functioning as it should is an extraordinary amount of creosote buildup in the chimney. Faulty flues can cause toxic smoke and gasses to back up into your home.

Check for Creosote and Soot Build-up

Creosote is a by-product of wood burning. It is a solid substance that is highly flammable. The inspector will check the interior of your chimney and recommend cleaning if there is evidence of buildup. Having your chimney cleaned annually before the start of the heating season can help prevent this issue.

Make Recommendations

The chimney inspector will recommend repairs based on the data collected during the inspection. If everything checks out, they will give your chimney a clean bill of health and provide documentation about the inspection.

Chimney inspections can be life-saving, and anyone that uses a fireplace should schedule these every year. Doing so is a simple step you can take to reduce the risk of fire in your home. Call Salcedo Masonry LLC today to arrange for your chimney inspection and maintenance and make your home a safer place to be.