Don’t Forget to Book Your Yearly Chimney Inspection With Mountain Man Fireplace & Chimney
Your wood-burning fireplace, stove, or insert requires regular maintenance to continue safe operation. If you burn wood, you’ll need to have your chimney swept and inspected to ensure that everything continues to run efficiently. The by-products of combustion – as well as exposure to the elements – can degrade both the exterior and interior of your chimney. That’s why we recommend an annual Level 1 inspection as well as more in-depth inspections in cases where that is called for.
The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) is an industry leader in chimney and venting system safety. The organization provides education, training, and certification for chimney sweeps and other industry professionals. Mountain Man Fireplace & Chimney has CSIA-certified chimney sweeps on staff who can sweep and inspect your chimney to keep your fireplace, stove, or insert burning safely throughout the colder months.
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How Often Should I Have My Chimney Inspected?
Yearly chimney inspections are crucial for safety and optimal performance. The annual schedule that is recommended by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and CSIA ensures a professional chimney sweep can identify and address potential problems like cracks, blockages, or creosote buildup before they become bigger issues.
Frequent fireplace users – particularly those burning a lot of firewood – will likely need more than one chimney inspection per year to monitor creosote levels. Creosote is a highly flammable substance that greatly increases the risk of chimney fires. Keep in mind that unused chimneys can accumulate debris from animals or the environment, so a yearly inspection is still important for safety even if you only use your fireplace once in a while.
The Three Levels of Chimney Inspection
When you call Mountain Man Fireplace & Chimney to schedule your annual chimney maintenance, we’ll help you decide what kind of inspection is the most appropriate for your circumstances. If your chimney system and the way you use it hasn’t changed in any way or if you’re burning the same fuel, in the same appliance, with the same flue liner, we’ll most likely perform a Level 1 inspection. But let us know the status of your system, and we can figure out what’s best for your home.
Level 1
When Mountain Man Fireplace & Chimney technicians come to sweep your chimney, you can expect them to perform a Level 1 inspection, during which all of the readily accessible interior and exterior portions of your chimney system – from the firebox to the flue – will be inspected closely, and checked for signs of damage and danger. We’ll also check for other health hazards such as carbon monoxide intrusion.
Level 2
When a property is being bought or sold, it is necessary to have a more thorough Level 2 inspection. This includes access to areas that aren’t included in a Level 1 inspection – like attics and crawl spaces – and video scanning of the flue. You should also opt for a Level 2 inspection if there’s been a change to your system, like a new flue liner or a new appliance.
Level 3
If a problem is found during a Level 1 or Level 2 inspection, you may need an even more in-depth Level 3 inspection. This is the most invasive inspection that can include the removal of materials around the chimney system – like doors or drywall – for a more thorough look into the system.
About Our Three-Step Inspection Process
At Mountain Man Fireplace & Chimney, we perform inspections and evaluations following a set procedure. As part of our standard Three-Step Inspection process, we will:
- Determine the exact make, model, and dimensions of your hearth appliance and chimney or venting system.
- Figure out the current condition of your unit and chimney system. We’ll look at the degree of creosote buildup, clearances to combustible materials, and other factors.
- Provide recommendations to improve both the safety and performance of your hearth appliance system. Suggestions could include to “burn hotter fires using only seasoned wood” or “add a chimney cap with a spark-arresting screen.”
What Happens if I Don’t Get My Chimney Inspected Regularly?
We don’t recommend missing your yearly chimney inspection, but here is what can happen if you do neglect your chimney:
- An increased risk of a chimney fire. The biggest risk of skipping annual chimney maintenance is creosote buildup. Creosote is a sticky, tar-like substance that results from burning firewood. It sticks to the walls of your chimney flue and if a stray spark comes into contact with it, it can lead to a chimney fire.
- An increased risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Obstructions in the flue can prevent smoke and gases from properly venting outside. This can lead to carbon monoxide leaking back into your home. Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless and can be lethal if it goes undetected.
- You may miss early signs of chimney damage. The extreme heat of a fire can cause cracks in the chimney liner. Over time, water can snake its way into these cracks and damage the masonry.
- You may miss early signs of an infestation. Animals like birds and squirrels tend to nest in chimneys. If they build nests in your chimney, they can block the flue, and the materials they prefer to use are often flammable. If chimney swifts choose your chimney to roost, you will be legally prohibited from removing them or disturbing their nest. You will have to wait until the end of their breeding season for them to leave on their own. A chimney inspection will help you identify potential entry points.
Why Should I Hire a Certified Chimney Sweep?
A CSIA-certified chimney sweep has the training and expertise necessary to effectively sweep and inspect your chimney. They will provide high-quality service and evaluate your chimney for potential hazards or incorrect configurations. At Mountain Man Fireplace & Chimney, our CSIA-certified chimney sweeps are dedicated to providing the Denver Metro and Foothills communities with thorough, effective chimney sweepings and top-quality customer service.
It’s Not Too Soon to Book Your Next Chimney Inspection!
You don’t have to wait until something is wrong – invest in peace of mind with a yearly chimney inspection by Mountain Man Fireplace & Chimney. With an annual inspection performed by one of our certified chimney sweeps, you can rest easy knowing that your chimney is safe to use and functioning properly. This will not only help prevent chimney fires, but it can also improve how your fireplace, stove, or insert works. Call us today at 303-679-1601 or request an appointment online.
Chimney sweeping is one of the most important and simplest chimney services you can schedule. Call Mountain Man Fireplace & Chimney today to take care of it!