Like many home-related issues, leaving chimney problems to fester will only make them worse — and sometimes significantly more expensive to repair.
But an annual chimney inspection can help you alleviate any major costs or surprises. In fact, the cost of a chimney inspection is far less than the cost needed to repair major deterioration of your chimney structure.
And while no two chimney inspections are the same, there are three common issues often uncovered when conducting a thorough chimney inspection:
Damaged Chimney Liner: The flue is the liner is that protects the surround building materials from the intense heat of your winter fires. As a result, the chimney liner is subjected to intense and sometimes damaging heat that can crack the liner.
Water Damage: Because the top of your chimney is open, water is likely to get into your chimney. Even if you have a chimney cap installed, moisture can seep into the masonry or through damaged flashing, impacting and weakening the structure.
Cracked Chimney Crown: The chimney crown covers and seals the top of the chimney and helps direct water away from the chimney opening. But as the chimney ages, the crown, which often takes the brunt of varying weather, can break down and crack. The crown is an important part of the chimney structure and should be repaired as soon as possible.
A chimney inspection can uncover a variety of issues that should be repaired before spiraling out of control. And there are three different types of chimney inspections.
A Level 1 inspection is conducted if your appliance or your venting system has not changed and you plan to use your system as you have in the past. A Level 2 is required when any changes are made to your system, and a Level 3 is an in-depth inspection that required access to concealed portions of the chimney.
MCP Chimney and Masonry have the knowledge and experience to conduct any level of chimney inspection to ensure your chimney is in good, working order. If we identify any concerns, we will recommend a course of action to make sure your chimney is repaired quickly.
For more information on chimney inspections, or to have your chimney cleaned, contact us today.
