Within a single year, your fireplace is exposed to a number of extreme conditions.. These include extreme heat, cold, wind, rain, snow, hail, smoke, and corrosive gases, just to name a few. It’s no wonder that the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) suggests getting your chimney inspected annually by a CSIA-certified chimney sweep.

Chimneys need regular cleaning and repair. At Hale’s Chimney Cleaning & Repair, our chimney sweeps are CSIA-certified. This means we have the knowledge and experience to detect, analyze, and suggest repairs for any number of issues found during a chimney inspection. Although we diagnose a wide array of chimney maintenance needs throughout the season, there are some maintenance issues we come across more often than others.

CreosoteWhat Do We Find During a Routine Inspection Image - Dallas TX - Hales Chimney

All wood fires produce creosote, so it’s no surprise that excess creosote within the chimney is the most common issue we come across during a routine inspection.Creosote is an oily, tar-like substance found in chimneys that, if allowed to build up, can cause a blockage or fire hazard issue.

Obstructions

Chimney obstruction is another issue we come often come across during an inspection. Obstructions can be caused by excess creosote and ash build up in your chimney, Also, a damaged or missing chimney cap may allow leaves, sticks, and animal nests inside your chimney. Obstructions can lead to airflow issues and may also be a fire hazard.

Damaged Masonry

Cracks in your masonry are another issue that we often come across. There are a lot of things that could cause your masonry to crack. Usually, it is caused by moisture freezing inside your masonry or issues when your home settles. Masonry can also start to erode inside your chimney if corrosive creosote and acidic compounds aren’t periodically cleaned from your chimney.

Water Damage

Water is a chimney’s worst enemy. It can damage nearly every component of your chimney. Water causes masonry to erode and, if it freezes, can crack the masonry. It passes through weakened masonry and seeps into adjacent walls and framework causing ugly water stains and rotting wood. Furthermore, if water is allowed to get into your chimney, it can cause rusting of your metal damper and firebox assemblies.

Damaged Chimney Cap

Your chimney cap is your chimney’s first line of defense against moisture and outside obstructions. Chimney caps are relatively cheap and easy to install. We suggest installing a new chimney cap if your current one is getting old, damaged, or missing.

A lot of the time, issues that we come across during an inspection could be minimized or even prevented with an annual chimney inspection. Delaying your annual chimney inspection could lead to higher maintenance costs or even safety issues. There’s still time to get your annual inspection this year, so call Hale’s Chimney Cleaning & Repair today at 972-562-6851 or schedule an appointment online today!