Chimney Inspections in Cottage Grove, MN

Signs You Need to Contact a Company that Provides Chimney Inspections in Cottage Grove, MN

A fireplace provides reliable warmth and creates welcoming ambiance, but there are some risks associated with using this beloved feature; namely, the potential for chimney fires and carbon monoxide exposure. Fortunately, there are things that you can do to significantly reduce these risks, and a chimney inspection is one of the most effective.

The chimney has the important job of venting the byproducts that fire produces, such as smoke, soot, and ash, out of your Washington County home. When those byproducts combine, however, they create creosote, a highly flammable material, and over time, it will build up on the walls of your chimney. Plus, dirt and debris from the outdoors, such as leaves and twigs, can blow into the structure, and pests, like bats and birds, can nest inside of it. Moreover, the chimney can sustain damages, such as cracks and leaks. All of these things combined mean that rather than being an asset, your beloved fireplace can turn into a serious liability. For this reason, chimney inspections are crucial. But how do you know when you need to have the structure assessed? The following are some of the key warning signs that it’s time to schedule an appointment with a Cottage Grove, MN chimney inspection professional.

It’s Been a Year Since Your Last Inspection

If it has been a year or more since you last had your chimney inspected or you can’t recall the last time it was inspected, then it’s definitely time to schedule an appointment with a Cottage Grove, MN chimney inspection company. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), chimneys should be professionally inspected at least once a year. No matter how often you use it, having it assessed by a professional will ensure that the structure is working properly and that your fireplace is safe to use. Ideally, chimney inspections should be performed every fall, prior to the start of the upcoming cold season.

Excess Smoke

If smoke is blowing back into your Washington County home and you’re sure that the damper is open, that’s a major red flag that something is wrong and you should definitely contact a Cottage Grove, MN chimney inspection technician as soon as possible. If the smoke that fires produce isn’t exhausting out of your house, it could be a sign that the flue is blocked, which can be a serious hazard, as it can increase the risk of a chimney fire and/or carbon monoxide exposure.

Damaged Masonry

Generally, masonry chimneys are very durable; however, with constant exposure to the elements, such as wind, rain, and extreme temperatures, as well as ground shifting, masonry materials can degrade and become damaged. Cracks can develop and spalling can occur, which can lead to leaks and can even compromise the structural integrity of your chimney. If you have a masonry chimney and you notice any damage to the brick, stone, and/or mortar, contact a Cottage Grove, MN chimney inspection specialist ASAP.

Debris

If you have spotted any debris other than the remnants of the last fire you burned (ash and burned wood), that could be a sign of trouble with your chimney. If the debris resembles crumbling black soot, it could be a sign of excess creosote buildup inside the chimney. If the debris appears to be pieces of brick, tile, or mortar joints, that could be a sign of cracks or leaks in the masonry. Any unusual debris on the floor of your Washington County chimney is definitely a cause for concern and warrants a call to a Cottage Grove, MN chimney inspection company.

Storm or Fire Damage

If your chimney has sustained damage as a result of a storm or a fire, you’re definitely going to want to have a Cottage Grove, MN chimney inspection professional check it out. Fires and weather-related events can cause extensive damage to the chimney to vital components, such as the flue and masonry, and can compromise the integrity of the structure. If left unchecked, more extensive damage and serious hazards could occur. To avoid more complex and costly repairs and to protect your Washington County home and your loved ones, if your chimney has been damaged, having it professionally inspected is a must.