A Requirement, Not a choice
Been a while since you’ve used your system? Been a while since you’ve cleaned your system? We get it! Before you cuddle up in front of your fireplace with a good book and a hot drink this winter season, call us to set up a sweep and inspection and give yourself some peace of mind knowing your system is functioning as it should and can give you the warm and fuzzies both inside and out that you deserve.
A typical question that we get asked is “I just want my chimney cleaned, can’t you JUST clean it?” We’d love to say yes, however, in today’s world things just aren’t that easy anymore. When it comes to having a fire in your home there shouldn’t be any cutting corners. When we come out to do a sweep we are first inspecting that the system is up to code and operating as intended. By turning a blind eye to any defects would not be doing our due diligence nor setting you, the homeowner, up for success. That’s not the business we are in. We are a service business that believes and intends on SERVING our customers whether it’s good news or bad.
Common Chimney Issues
Overfired Flue Liner
Leaking Flashing Inside the Attic
Cracked Flue Tile
Deteriorated Crown
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to commonly asked questions about our processes and services.
What does an inspection entail?
As certified chimney inspectors we are doing a thorough evaluation of your entire system, ash to cap. We will be getting on the roof, in the attic, crawl space, and basement in an attempt to gather all needed information. We utilize all the latest forensic equipment such as cameras and infrared devices to look for hot spots, leaks, and damage in areas not seen by the naked or untrained eye. After our inspection, we will sit down with you and review our findings and concerns and discuss options and how to remedy any noted issues. After our visit, we will follow up with an emailed PDF of our inspection report complete with pictures as well as send over estimates if needed.
Why Do I Need My Chimney Inspected?
When you burn wood, regardless of how seasoned, or how hard or soft it is, does not get hot enough to fully burn all the chemicals inside. This means that there are remnants left behind. These remnants are known as creosote or soot. Not only are they lining the flue, creating restrictions in the passageway affecting draft and performance but they are also highly flammable and a future fire can lead to disastrous consequences.
A chimney inspection is just like going to the doctor for a checkup. We ask how it’s been performing, what you’ve been feeding it, how often you use it, and for how long. We confirm you are happy with your system and that if anything needs to be addressed we’ll do so. Once we have our preliminary questions we begin the inspection. Because your chimney, whether it be masonry or factory-built, is concealed, we need specialized equipment to inspect and diagnose. We need proper training to be able to determine what it is we are looking at and how to remedy any issues that we find. Lastly, we need the know-how to bring those repairs to fruition and leave you with a safe and fully functioning system.
I had a home inspection, do I need a chimney inspection?
Yes! Home inspectors are great but have such a wide range of things they are looking for they often aren’t certified to the same level as we are. We have undergone hours and days of training to be certified inspectors. We do one thing and we do it well.
How Often Should My System Be Swept/Inspected?
According to the NFPA 211 (which serves as the code book for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances), all systems shall be inspected annually. Based on the results of the inspection, the cleaning of the system is dependent on the findings. For wood-burning appliances, and with proper burn habits a cleaning may not be needed every season but the best practice is to at least have it inspected by a professional. What Are Proper Burning Techniques?
Can You Just Sweep My Chimney?
Short answer, no. We would be doing you a disservice to just run a brush, give you a wave, and say “See you next year.” That is not the direction the industry is going and any reputable chimney company in the area will tell you the same. For all the DIYers out there, you can get chimney kits at any hardware store and do it yourself but you also assume all the liability if anything bad were to occur.
Does my gas appliance (logs or insert) need to be inspected too?
Yes! Gas appliances also need to be serviced and inspected annually as they are prone to rust, corrosion and soot build up. We specialize in sprucing up old gas appliances too!
Frequently Asked Questions
You wouldn’t buy a used car off the street without getting it looked over by a mechanic, would you? The same should be said for your fireplace and chimney. Who knows what kind of use it has seen since its construction?
What to expect after our visit
- We will sit down and review all the findings with you.
- Take advantage of having us there with you and ask all your questions. We are here for you and understand how chimneys are often neglected, and misunderstood. We truly enjoy the process of teaching homeowners about their system, how they can optimize it, just get the dang thing to turn on or not smoke the house up.
- After the report is created, you will receive the inspection report in PDF form within 24-48 hrs if not the same day
- An estimate for repairs can be provided.
What to Expect During a Level 2 Inspection
A level 2 inspection is required when a change is made to the system.
This includes:
-
- A change in fuel type (gas to wood or vise versa) A change in appliance where the BTU output is different
-
- There is a sudden heat occurrence (chimney fire)
-
- When a home switches owners.
A level 2 inspection can be a lengthy process as it is a full inspection and diagnosis of the entire system from the chimney on the roof, down to the crawl space or basement. It’s important to note that just because a home has one chimney does not mean it has one flue inside the chimney or even one system venting through that flue.
What to Expect From Our Inspection
During a level 2, Flue Fighters will:
-
- Access the roof to determine the current water repellent nature of the masonry or chase material as well as examine the integrity of the chimney.
-
- Run a camera inside each flue to ensure there are no breaks in flue tiles and/or gaps between joints in masonry or metal chimney liners
-
- Access the attic to examine clearances (if applicable) as well as look for signs of pre-exisitng damage due to water or pyrolysis.
-
- Access the crawl space or basement to examine clearances (if applicable).
-
- Take measurements throughout to ensure clearances to combustible materials are met and maintained within the system.
Why Do I Need My Chimney Inspected?
When you burn wood, regardless of how seasoned, or how hard or soft it is, does not get hot enough to fully burn all the chemicals inside. This means that there are remnants left behind. These remnants are known as creosote or soot. Not only are they lining the flue, creating restrictions in the passageway affecting draft and performance but they are also highly flammable and a future fire can lead to disastrous consequences.
A chimney inspection is just like going to the doctor for a checkup. We ask how it’s been performing, what you’ve been feeding it, how often you use it, and for how long. We confirm you are happy with your system and that if anything needs to be addressed we’ll do so. Once we have our preliminary questions we begin the inspection. Because your chimney, whether it be masonry or factory-built, is concealed, we need specialized equipment to inspect and diagnose. We need proper training to be able to determine what it is we are looking at and how to remedy any issues that we find. Lastly, we need the know-how to bring those repairs to fruition and leave you with a safe and fully functioning system.
How Often Should My System Be Swept/Inspected?
According to the NFPA 211 (which serves as the code book for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances), all systems shall be inspected annually. Based on the results of the inspection, the cleaning of the system is dependent on the findings. For wood-burning appliances, and with proper burn habits a cleaning may not be needed every season but the best practice is to at least have it inspected by a professional. What Are Proper Burning Techniques?
Does My Gas System Need To Be Swept/Serviced Too?
Absolutely! Gas systems have a lot going on inside and need to be kept up with to ensure they too are burning efficiently and safely. Whether the gas system is a direct vent, vent, or set of gas logs determines the type of service but again, you have a fire in your living room and we all want to keep it there. The scary buzzword for gas systems is carbon monoxide. A key part of the inspection is to make sure the system is burning cleanly and exhausting all the carbon monoxide as intended.