Clean Sweeps of Michigan's Blog

Fall Is Almost Here – Beat the Rush!

Chimney InspectionIts summer and most of you are probably out soaking up the sun, going on vacations, and trying to will away any thought of cold weather. Likely, the last thing on your mind is your chimney and getting it inspected and serviced. Most people start thinking about their chimneys in the fall and winter months, and that’s when they call us! However, if you wait until then to schedule an appointment, it could be difficult to get one.

It is recommended that you should get your chimney inspected every year before you use it, even if there is no apparent problem. There are quite a few things that may have gotten into your chimney, including animals, which can cause obstructions which block airflow. This makes your chimney dangerous. Even if your chimney looks to be in great shape on the outside, it is possible that there is hidden damage inside that risks carbon monoxide poisoning or a chimney fire.

The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) recommends that your chimney be inspected

• At least once a year
• When you purchase a home
• Any time there has been a change to any appliance that vents into the chimney
• Any time there has been significant structural work done to the home.

Clean Sweeps inspects chimneys according to guidelines set by the NFPA. There are three levels of chimney inspection depending one the severity of potential problems.

Level 1

This is the most common type of chimney inspection. It is a visual inspection only , in which the technician will ensure that the chimney structure is sound and free of obstruction or combustible deposits. This inspection is appropriate if you have been using your fireplace regularly with no problems. A majority of inspections we perform are Level 1, but some chimneys or fireplaces may require a closer look.

Level 2

A level 2 inspection includes the same things as a level 1 inspection, but the technician will also examine any accessible portions of attics, crawl spaces, and basements. In addition, an interior chimney video inspection will be done. This level of inspection should be done if you have purchased a new home heating appliance, made a change to an existing appliance that is vented through your chimney, or suspect that there is damage to your chimney.

Level 3

This includes everything from the level 1 and 2 inspections, and an evaluation of the chimney condition and the condition of the concealed portions of the chimney and flue. A level 3 inspection is preformed when a hidden hazard is suspected that cannot be assessed without evaluating concealed areas of the chimney structure and flue. They are usually necessary when damage has occurred to the chimney or building structure.
If you need help deciding which level of inspection you require, you can call us today or schedule an appointment and a Clean Sweeps technician will assist you. Reviewing our appointment tips will help us to serve you as effectively as possible. Remember; don’t wait until you’re ready to start lighting your fireplace– along with everyone else– to call. The best time is now; before you need it!

The Dangers of Creosote to the Home

Many homeowners are unfamiliar with the dangers of creosote, even if they are very familiar with the substance’s odor. Creosote is a combination of chemicals that is left behind in a chimney or fireplace after certain types of wood have been burned. If it is allowed to build up in the fireplace and chimney, it can cause serious damage and risks to the home.

Image courtesy of Dennis Lamb of Mad Hatter Chimney in Indianapolis IN.

One of the most common issues that homeowners run into when it comes to creosote is the fact that it is highly flammable. Burning a simple fire in the fireplace may quickly get out of control if there is a significant accumulation of creosote. In the worst cases, this may lead to a house fire that destroys the entire structure of the home.

In addition to the danger listed above, there are also health issues about which a homeowner should be concerned. For instance, excessive exposure to creosote can cause digestive and respiratory problems. While this is an obvious concern for adults, parents having children with allergies or respiratory problems will want to be particularly aware because of increased danger to a young child’s developing organs.

Also, let’s not forget about the family pets. While our pets do not have the same exact digestive and respiratory systems as humans, they are close enough to be affected by these very same dangers. Keep in mind, too, that animals such as dogs and cats have a heightened sense of smell when compared to humans. If you see your pets acting funny around the fireplace, it could be a sign to have things checked out.

Creosote can cause serious damage to a home and it is not always easy to tell that it is there. Sometimes it is accompanied by an unpleasant smell but that is not always the case. To avoid significant damage, it is necessary to have regular fireplace inspections completed by a professional.