As fall and winter approach, you'll likely be using your fireplace more. So, you should have your chimney checked out soon. A chimney inspection keeps it safe and efficient. A certified professional will look at both the interior and exterior of your chimney to check for blockage, damage, or deterioration. Here are some things you should expect during this professional chimney inspection.

Interior Check

Your chimney sweep has many tools and equipment to inspect the interior of your chimney. They often have a chimney, vacuum camera, brush, flashlight, and ladder to assess the entire area. Once they are set up, they'll check for corrosion holes, rust gaps, cracks, and creosote buildup. Sometimes, animals may nest in a chimney. The inspection will check for any hint of animal infestations and will promptly get rid of them.

Smoke Test

According to Bob Vila, there are more than 25,000 chimney fires annually in the United States. This being said, a smoke test is an important way to verify the airflow of your chimney is operating safely. The test involves lighting a small fire and observing how smoke exits out. During this time, the professional will also check for carbon monoxide or leaks.

Detailed Report

Expect to get a thorough report of what the team found during the inspection. If there are any problems to resolve, then all of these will be detailed with a list of recommendations on how to solve the problem. Among the list of recommendations will be when your next inspection should be and how often you should have your chimney cleaned.

Clean Up

Inspecting or cleaning a chimney can be a messy job. However, a professional will always clean up behind themselves and won't leave your fireplace, home, or roof in a mess. They know how to responsibly dispose of soot, nests, debris, or anything else they find in your chimney.

If you regularly use your fireplace or any wood-burning stove, then it's important to practice the right safety precautions and have regular inspections. A professional chimney inspection helps to keep you and everyone in your home safe. Having a fireplace can be a soothing and cozy feature in any home, but you must use it responsibly. If you haven't done so already, then call our team at Allphase Masonry & Chimney Services for an efficient and professional inspection of your chimney.