Do I Need to Have My Chimney Inspected in Murrieta?

11/29/2022 (Permalink)

We respond to commercial water damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Riverside County.

Our team in Murrieta responds to fire damage emergencies throughout the year. Many of us enjoy sitting around the fireplace on a cold winter night, but if you haven’t inspected your chimney lately, you may be in danger of having more than a fireplace fire! The National Fire Protection Association recommends getting your chimney cleaned and inspected annually by a trained and qualified professional.  

Some indications that your chimney is not operating at peak performance are:

• Oily spots on the walls of your fireplace
• Poorly drawing or burning fires
• Odors are emanating from your fireplace
• Animals are living inside your chimney
• Fires are difficult to ignite
• Chimney soot is falling from the chimney
• The chimney damper has black creosote buildup
• The chimney is not drawing air

What happens during a chimney inspection and professional cleaning? According to the home improvement website Angi, three levels of chimney inspections exist. Here is what you can inspect during a Level One inspection:

Level One

This inspection is conducted on a chimney that is in good condition, has had no problems operating, and has not been modified. The inspector will examine and check the accessible components of the chimney to ensure the structure is intact and each part is functioning correctly. 

The readily accessible chimney parts usually include the fireplace, firebox, damper, flue opening, and exterior parts sticking out from the roof. In addition, the inspector will confirm there are no obstructions or combustion deposits.