With the year already at a halfway point, now is the perfect time to schedule a chimney inspection. In a matter of months, you might have to fire up the heating fixtures again, and you’ll need this escape route to be ready for action. According to The Chimney Sweep of Kernersville, NC, homeowners who are unaware of what inspections entail are less likely to schedule them. With this in mind, consider the following guide to a typical chimney inspection.

A Brief Overview of a Chimney Inspection

1. Checking for Structural Integrity

The first step an inspector will take is to assess the interior and exterior of your chimney. Specifically, they will look for signs of structural failure or flaw, as the collapse of a chimney could cause significant roof damage. They will also look at the fireplace for signs of excessive wear and tear that could turn into issues down the line.

2. Testing for Clearance

Next, they will test your fireplace and flue to see how it handles the burning and ventilation processes. A key point in this phase is to see whether combustibles—objects that catch fire—can escape safely, and that they do not touch any building materials inside or outside of the home.

3. Looking for Blockages

In some cases, wildlife and pests can sneak into chimneys, creating nests and other blockages that impede ventilation. If there are any obstructions—such as debris, foliage, or wildlife habitats—inside your chimney, the inspector will remove these to prevent them from catching fire.

4. Assessing Combustible Deposits

After months of fires, byproducts of the chemical reaction like creosote may build up on the inside of the flue. While natural, these are combustible, and they could result in an unmanageable chimney fire. A standard chimney inspection will involve the detection of these byproducts, while more advanced inspections may include a camera scan.

If you’ve yet to schedule a chimney inspection this year, get a jump-start on the cooler seasons by making an appointment today. You can reach the experts at The Chimney Sweep by calling (336) 993-8999 today. For more information on their cleaning, relining, and maintenance services, visit the website.