Do I Need Inspections If I Rarely Use My Fireplace?
If you only use your fireplace on special occasions such as Thanksgiving or Christmas, it’s likely you don’t think about your chimney much. Even though you use your fireplace every once in a while, you should have inspections. We can hear you asking, “Do I need inspections if I rarely use my fireplace?” The answer is yes, for a number of reasons. Let’s explore why it’s a good idea to have your fireplace inspected by a qualified chimney sweep service, even if you rarely use it.
Chimney Inspections Find Structural Damage
Structural damage is a real possibility, even if you don’t use your fireplace at all. If structural damage goes undetected, it can lead to the eventual collapse of your chimney. Why? Because if there are cracks anywhere in your chimney, especially in its crown, water can penetrate it and wreak havoc. Water can also be absorbed by sun-worn older bricks and absorb moisture easily due to capillary action, much like a sponge. Why is water penetrating your chimney’s bricks bad? When the chimney’s bricks are saturated, and the temperature drops below freezing, the water will freeze and expand. The expansion of the bricks will cause them to crack and crumble, eventually falling out of your chimney. If your chimney isn’t structurally sound, then it could collapse and possibly fall on a family member or pet.
Mold and Mildew in Your Chimney
Another issue related to moisture in your chimney is mold and mildew. If your chimney is absorbing moisture through cracks or a damaged chimney liner and isn’t being used, mold and mildew could be growing in your chimney. When it’s not being used, your chimney is a dark, damp place ideal for mold and mildew growth. If you have a strong, dank smell in the room where your chimney is located, there is a good chance that you already have mold and mildew. If your chimney isn’t inspected on a regular basis, then you may not discover mold and mildew until it becomes an issue. If you have someone with respiratory issues such as asthma or COPD in your family, then inhaling mold spores can worsen their condition. Inspecting your chimney will catch mold and mildew before it becomes a health problem.
Chimney Inspections Detect Creosote Buildup
What is creosote? It is a black, sticky, tar-like substance that coats the interior of your chimney every time you use your fireplace. Creosote is a leading cause of chimney fires because it is highly flammable. Why does that matter if you rarely use your fireplace? If you have been using your fireplace for years without cleaning or inspections, there is a thick coat of creosote inside your chimney right now. So, the next time you have a family gathering and light a fire in the fireplace, you could be lighting a fire in the chimney as well. Chimney fires can quickly spread to your home’s structure, such as in your attic or roof. The fire won’t take long to spread to the rest of your house.
Chimney Inspections Detect Blockages
If you are not using your chimney and you haven’t had an inspection in quite a while, then there could be a blockage. Wildlife in your neighborhood may make a nest in your chimney to escape the elements. Debris, such as leaves or pine needles, can also accumulate in your chimney, especially if it hasn’t been cleaned or inspected for an extended period. If there is a blockage in your chimney and you use your fireplace, smoke and deadly gases such as carbon monoxide have nowhere to go and will flow into your home. Carbon monoxide is a tasteless, odorless gas that can only be noticed with a carbon monoxide detector or from becoming poisoned. Having your chimney inspected will locate any blockages in your chimney and avoid a tragic outcome.
Let Felgemacher Inspect and Clean Your Chimney
Even if you don’t use your chimney much, it should be inspected and cleaned for your family’s safety. If you live in the Buffalo, NY, Rochester, NY, or Charlotte, NC, areas and want to rest easy knowing that your chimney is clean and safe, contact us today.
