Do Home Inspectors Check Fireplaces?
When purchasing a home, ensuring the safety of all its components is crucial. One area that may be overlooked is the fireplace system and chimney structure. Many homeowners wonder whether or not home inspectors thoroughly inspect the chimney and fireplace.
The short answer? Yes and no. While home inspectors may be able to assess certain visible aspects of fireplaces, they usually cannot offer the same level of inspection that a professional chimney service can.
What Do Home Inspectors Check?
Home inspectors are trained to identify obvious damage or issues around and in the property. Regarding fireplaces, they will likely check for any obvious, visible damage, such as cracks, missing bricks, or missing components. However, they are not equipped or trained to provide the same thorough inspection that a chimney and fireplace professional can.
During real estate transactions, it’s important to ensure a proper inspection is performed on the chimney and fireplace in order to maintain safety, efficiency, and proper use.
Why Home Inspectors Might Not Be Enough
Most home inspectors follow standard guidelines, which typically focus on readily accessible areas. However, home inspectors are not chimney specialists. Even a fireplace that appears fine to the eye of a home inspector could still have problems that only a certified chimney professional might be able to spot. Some of these risks include:
- Internal liner cracks and deterioration
- Hidden creosote buildup
- Blockages from animals or debris
- Water damage inside the chimney structure
The Importance of Professional Chimney Inspections
It’s crucial to hire a certified chimney professional for a complete evaluation of your fireplace and chimney. A Level 2 inspection is highly recommended when it comes to buying or selling your home. Level 2 inspections should include a visual and video assessment of all accessible areas of the interior and exterior of the chimney.
These inspections can help provide the homeowner with a detailed understanding of the fireplace and chimney’s condition, ensuring safety and compliance with current standards, as well as alerting them to any necessary cleanings or repairs.
The Importance of Routine Cleaning
Regular chimney cleaning is another essential for maintaining a safer, more efficient chimney and fireplace. Creosote, a byproduct of smoke from burning wood, is one of the leading causes of devastating chimney fires. Professional chimney sweeps are trained to identify these hazards and clean the chimney and fireplace thoroughly, prolonging the life of the fireplace while ensuring a safer and more efficient experience.
Along with a professional inspection, it’s important to follow an annual chimney cleaning schedule with your local chimney professionals.
Felgemacher is Here to Help
While home inspectors might take a quick look at your fireplace and chimney, their knowledge and training are surface-level in comparison to a certified chimney professional.
Whether you’re buying or selling a home, ensure the safety and longevity of your home’s fireplace system and chimney structure by scheduling a professional inspection and cleaning with our team today! For all your fireplace needs, give us a call or contact us online today. We offer inspections, cleaning, repairs and more!
