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In front of a fireplace is great spot to gather 'round and keep warm during the cold fall and winter days. But did you know that fireplaces and chimneys are responsible for thousands of residential fires and millions of dollars of property damage, as well as several fatalities each year.
These statistics should drive home the importance of scheduling an annual chimney inspection. Even homeowners that don't use their fireplace should spring for an inspection. That's because a home's other heating devices also release toxic gases through the chimney; when debris clogs its escape, those harmful fumes remain in the home. Preventative measures are typically much less expensive than repairs when you have a crisis, so it makes sense to be ahead of the curve.
An inspector can check for one big culprit of chimney fires, creosote. Creosote is a thick, gummy substance that's a by product of burning wood. To reduce the risk of a creosote-caused fire its recommended to hire a pro to inspect the chimney and also to burn only designated firewood. Burning green wood or soft wood with resin in it increases creosote build up.
Chimney inspections usually cost between $100-$300 and fall into one of two levels.
Level 1- During a level one inspection, the inspector will spend about an hour to measure all the readily accessible components of the chimney, like the size of the firebox and the clearance from the stove. From there he will decide if your chimney needs a sweep. A chimney needs swept for a number of reasons, but the main ones include debris blocking air ducts and creosote build up. Birds and squirrels have been known to build nests in the chimney or maybe clumps of leaves cause a blockage. Debris that is not removed is a big risk factor for causing a fire or trapping poisonous gases like carbon monoxide in your home. Besides an annual chimney inspection, it's also worth checking out a chimney cap. These tools fit over the flue to keep debris, as well as damaging water, out.
Level 2- A more thorough level two chimney inspection is a worthwhile investment for new homeowners who haven't had a level one inspection. A level two inspection requires the chimney sweep to get on the roof to make additional measurements, such as the distance of the chimney to any combustibles.
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