Clean Sweeps of Michigan's Blog

Annual Inspections

The best way to keep your fireplace burning safely and efficiently is by having regular maintenance performed. Chimney inspections are one way to keep your fireplace system in good condition; inspections are a useful tool in identifying the causes of ongoing chimney problems or to spot minor areas of damage or deterioration.

What are chimney inspections?

Chimney inspections are done by certified chimney sweeps in order to evaluate the safety and stability of your fireplace and chimney system. Chimney inspections are an important diagnostic tool and can be used to uncover the root cause of chimney issues such as leaks or drafting problems. Likewise, chimney inspections can also ensure that your entire chimney system from the top of the flue to the bottom of the firebox is in good working condition.

The National Fire Protection Association and the Chimney Safety Institute of America both recommend that all homes have their chimneys inspected at least once per year – regardless of how often your fireplace is used. Because chimney damage is often independent of fireplace use, it is important to have an annual inspection whether you use your chimney once or 100 times per year.

Why chimney inspections are important

“A chimney inspection is like an annual dental check-up,” says Ashley Eldridge, Director of Education for the CSIA. “It’s preventative maintenance that helps minimize potential hazards.”

Chimney inspections can help homeowners discover areas of damage long before they begin causing chimney problems. When caught and repaired quickly, many chimney repairs can be made quickly and with minimal expense. It is only when chimney damage continues to deteriorate that major repairs – and major costs – are needed.

Chimney inspections are more than just preventative maintenance; they are often the most important tool to help discover the root cause of a chimney problem. In the case of chimney leaks, for example, repairing the water damage will have to be done over and over again unless the root of the leak is found. An inspection can identify the cause of the leak and allow it to be repaired, preventing further damage.

The three levels of chimney inspection

There are three different levels of chimney inspection. Your certified chimney sweep can help you determine what level of chimney inspection is best for your home.

• Level 1: Level 1 chimney inspections provide a comprehensive evaluation of the accessible portions of the interior and exterior of the chimney. Level 1 inspections are recommended for homes where no changes have been made to the chimney system and there are no ongoing issues.
•  Level 2: Level 2 chimney inspections are more in-depth and often use technology such as closed circuit cameras; this allows chimney technicians to better assess the condition of hard to reach areas of the chimney. Level 2 inspections are done when a change has been made to the fireplace system, such as installing a new insert, or before a home is sold.
•  Level 3: Level 3 chimney inspections are in-depth and invasive; sections of the walls of your home or masonry of the chimney may need to be removed in order to access the chimney or fireplace. Because of this, Level 3 inspections are only used in the event of major natural disasters such as chimney fires when the structural stability of the chimney is in question.

  Don’t delay – contact Clean Sweeps of Michigan today to schedule your annual chimney inspection!

Rain Caps

When it comes to keeping your chimney in good condition, few parts are as important as the rain cap. While rain caps are known by many names – including chimney cap, chimney cover, animal guard, or spark arrestor – their purpose is the same: protect the top of the flue from water, animal, or debris entry.

What is a rain cap?

Rain caps are metal guards with mesh or wire sides that are designed to fit over and cover the top of the flue. When installed correctly and undamaged, rain caps help keep moisture – as well as animals and debris – out of the chimney. However, rain caps can deteriorate over time due to shifting, settling, extreme weather, or simply long term exposure to the elements.

Five reasons you need a rain cap

The following are five reasons why your chimney needs to have a rain cap.

1.  Minimize moisture damage: Water can be one of the most harmful forces to your chimney system; while exterior masonry is designed to withstand the elements, the delicate mortar and metal components of the flue and firebox are easily damaged by moisture.
2. Keep animals out: A cool, dark chimney can be an inviting hideout or nesting ground for many small mammals and birds. However, the presence of animals can cause serious damage to your home and chimney.
3.  Block downdrafts. When using your fireplace on a breezy day, wind can blow smoke, gas, ash, and soot back down the chimney and into your home. However, a rain cap protects the top of the chimney against extreme downdrafts caused by the wind.
4.  Stop sparks: While chimneys are designed to vent smoke and gas, they can also be used to prevent sparks from escaping up and out onto your roof. The mesh sides of the rain cap serve as a spark arrestor, protecting your roof – and those of your friends and neighbors – from any hot sparks or coals that blow up the chimney.
5.  Keep out debris: Leaves, twigs, branches, and even Frisbees can all fall into unprotected chimneys. Metal rain caps protect the top of the flue and keep debris from falling in and causing chimney blockages.

Signs your rain cap isn’t working

With all that a rain cap does to protect your home and chimney, it is important that they work correctly. Below are a few signs that your rain cap may be damaged, needs to be repaired, or needs to be replaced.

• Water entry: The presence of water in your flue or firebox often indicates a leak surrounding the rain guard. A chimney inspection can identify the source of a leaky chimney as well as assess the condition of your rain guard.
•  Chimney blockages: If your chimney isn’t drafting properly or smoke is backing up into your home, you may have a chimney blockage. Chimney blockages are most often caused by animals or debris such as leaves falling into the flue.
• Animal entry: The presence of an animal in the chimney is a surefire sign that your rain cap is damaged – or missing altogether. After having the animals safely removed by a wildlife professional, it is important to repair or replace the rain guard to prevent them from coming back.All chimneys can benefit from having a quality and well-fitting rain cap installed. For more information on rain caps and why your home may need a new one, contact Clean Sweeps of Michigan  today!