Most residential houses in the United States have a furnace, and for a good reason. Having one is undeniably beneficial since it’s what most Americans use for warmth. It is true that apart from giving every home that kind of suburban appeal, having a fireplace is a necessity come the cold winds of the west or just during a chilly winter night.
It is a dual-purpose fixture that can be an amazing addition to a home if it is maintained properly. Given the higher level of maintenance to keep them safe and functional, those with fireplaces and chimneys are suggested to check their household regularly.
Services of home inspection engineers, for one, may be of good use should the following signs manifest:
- Uncontrolled smoke floods the home after lighting the fireplace
- Constant soot piles on your furnishings
- Foul odor
- Heavy and black smoke, which overflows from a chimney, indicates some creosote-related problems.
- An accidental fire, which resulted in melted mortar, cracked tiles, bent metal flues, and other damage
- Obvious cracks in masonry or mold patches, especially after winter.
- Animal nestings
Installing a chimney inside a house comes with a responsibility to keep it properly inspected and maintained. The risk of accidental fire lurks just right around the corner, and no one would want to see their properties crumble into ashes just because of the tiny negligence of having an uninspected fireplace.
Below are the reasons why getting a professional inspection is necessary:
To Avoid Creosote and Soot Buildup
Unwanted creosote buildup is the primary culprit for accidental chimney fires. Wet wood, which should not be burned in fireplaces, is what causes this buildup. Leaving your fireplaces uninspected unknowingly and dangerously enables a 451oF heat, which may increase up to 2,000oF, enough to ignite a fire that can consume an entire house.
One indication of wet wood is bubbling moisture. Fresh wood is not advisable for fireplaces either, as they emit unburned settlements, which clog up the passage. As a result, soot and creosote congest the tunnel, hindering the smoke from seeping out. Note that the danger of fire is controlled by constant inspection.
To Avoid Flashing Problems
Flashing problems are usually dreaded since they inflict damage to a property’s interior and other fixtures. While it is all too common to experience these, all can still be saved since they can be prevented with proper caulking. Seams and gaps must be aided with sufficient sealant. Flashing that is broken beyond repair must be replaced with a new one, and make it a point to get a brand with adequate durability.
Joints might also be a suspect, especially if the brick and mortar are too loose to hold each other. Broken, wiggling, chipped, and cracked joints are altogether unusable, which means the right replacement must be done to ensure joint stability.
Conclusion
The benefit of having a chimney comes with several risks that all homeowners must watch out for. The right amount of warmth you need may lead to an accidental fire if these chimneys aren’t given the proper attention. Thus, make sure to have your fireplaces regularly checked and cleaned.
Don’t let fire risks trouble you. Call AEI inspections ((918) 251-6910) today and get a professional chimney inspection in Tulsa, enough to keep your home just the right amount of warmth.
