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October
25
25
Have You Had Your Chimney Swept Lately?
The wise homeowner doesn't wait until the last minute to winterize an Ohio home. You've probably already cleaned your gutters and insulated your windows to keep out icy drafts. Our REALTORS® want to call your attention to one more critical action to take if your home has a fireplace. Be sure to call a chimney sweep to inspect and clean the chimney.
- Why is this important?
Chimney fires occur an average of 17,600 times a year. In addition to fires, many of the 4,000 lives in America lost to carbon monoxide poisoning are due to dirty chimneys. Another 10,000 are made ill each year after exposure to these noxious fumes. No one should ever be a statistic, particularly since this one is so easily avoided. - How do chimney fires happen?
As wood burns, a byproduct called creosote builds up along the inside of the chimney. It is comprised of smoke, unburned wood particles, hydrocarbons, water, and assorted other minerals. Creosote is highly flammable. When sufficient amounts of creosote coat the inside of the flue and a fire is burning below, it will often become hot enough to ignite. This can be an explosive reaction, loud enough to shock passers-by. People inside the home may hear a low rumble. Besides these sudden dramatic events, fires often go unnoticed, but their high temperatures can still cause significant damage both to the chimney and to the surrounding structure. - How do I know if my chimney is clean and safe?
Before a certified chimney sweep takes any action, this professional will complete a detailed inspection, looking for signs of prior damage. Excessive heat causes damage such as cracks in the exterior masonry, damage to the roof, a discolored rain cap, warped metal components including the damper and smoke chamber connector pipe, and puffy creosote lining the chimney. The chimney sweep will make recommendations to return the system to safety standards. - How do I prevent chimney fires?
Keep your chimney clean by engaging a professional to sweep and inspect at least annually. The Chimney Safety Institute of America provides technical training and certification so that you can be assured you're hiring a qualified individual. When there is no creosote buildup inside the chimney, there is no fuel to feed a fire. The chimney sweep will let you know if a single annual cleaning and inspection is sufficient for your needs or if you should consider another one based on your personal use. - Will a home inspection include a chimney inspection?
A home inspection will catch obvious damage to surrounding roofing and cracks in the masonry of the chimney. But home inspectors have neither the tools nor the training to offer a complete inspection. Unless the seller has records and recommendations from a chimney sweep within the prior year, you may want to request a separate inspection by a certified chimney sweep. Many of our Mansfield and Ashland homes for sale feature fireplaces. The seller may not even be aware of issues a chimney sweep would uncover. - Can't I just do this myself?
It never hurts for a homeowner to stay on top of things by keeping a close eye on potential issues before they become problems. But when it comes to the safety of your home and family, it's important to defer to the expertise of certified professionals. They have both the tools and the training to perform the job safely and properly.
Contact us if you're considering buying or selling a home. Our real estate professionals will be happy to assist you.