Winter is finally on its last legs. While you may be sad to see the burning season come to an end, it’s not too early to get a head start on the next one by setting up an appointment for your next chimney inspection. An inspection is a vital aspect of a good chimney maintenance plan. It’s an opportunity to get a closer look at your chimney system and ensure that it is working properly and safely. If problems are brewing and you need repair work or a chimney sweeping, an inspection will give us a full rundown.
When it’s time for a chimney inspection, call on Legendary Chimney Solutions. We’re proud to serve homeowners throughout Eastern Central Florida. Whether you need to schedule routine maintenance or you’re dealing with an issue like a leaky chimney, you can trust our crew to take care of it. Call us today at 386-999-1329 or request an appointment online.
How Often Should I Schedule My Inspection?
We follow the guidelines of respected organizations like the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)…both of which recommend at least one chimney checkup every year as a baseline. However, this frequency can vary depending on a few different factors.
If you use your fireplace a lot, you may want to consider adding a second inspection during the year to err on the side of caution. If your chimney has a history of damage or recurrent problems, an additional inspection is a good way to stay on top of issues before they spiral out of control.
If you land on the other end of the spectrum and don’t use your fireplace often, you may be able to scale back on inspections. Your chimney technician can discuss different options with you based on your chimney’s history.
What Is the Best Time of Year To Schedule a Chimney Inspection?
Chimney inspections can be performed all year long, but the sweet spot is in the late spring and early summer.
We know what you’re thinking – I don’t need my fireplace in the spring or summer, why then? That’s exactly the point.
Your fireplace puts in the most work during the cooler days of fall and winter, and issues may be more likely to pop up as a result of the increase in workload. This downtime is always the ideal window for us to get in there should you need chimney repairs. The timing allows you to be confident that your fireplace will be ready to go when you need it most.
What Are the Advantages of Scheduling a Chimney Inspection Early?
We’re sure you’ve heard the old saying, “The early bird gets the worm,” many times over the years, and it’s a classic line for good reason. The earlier you schedule your inspection, the more flexibility you’ll have moving forward. Many homeowners wait until the fall to schedule their annual chimney inspections but with everyone vying for appointments in such a short span, we tend to find that our schedule fills quickly.
By scheduling in spring or summer, you can get ahead of the rush. This can make a huge difference if you need to schedule follow-up appointments for repair work. Let’s say you book a chimney inspection in mid-September and we determine that the damper needs to be replaced. We may not be able to get back around to you for a bit and you may have to miss out on quality time with your fireplace since a malfunctioning damper can lead to efficiency and ventilation issues.
When Do I Need To Schedule an Inspection ASAP?
An annual inspection is the standard when it comes to chimney care, but there are times when it’s not practical or safe to wait. Chimneys don’t function on our schedules and a breakdown can happen at any time. If you notice any of the following problems, reach out to us immediately:
- You’ve had a chimney fire. A chimney fire is a frightening experience that can cause damage to your home. Even a small fire that was quickly extinguished can cause harm. It’s not unusual for a chimney fire to leave no visible signs of damage, but it isn’t safe to resume using it until it’s been inspected thoroughly.
- Your chimney is leaking. Water is notorious in the chimney business. It can inflict significant damage to your fireplace and chimney system. If you notice any signs of water damage – like water stains on the ceiling or walls near the chimney, musty odors, or water in the firebox – you should schedule an inspection with us so that we can locate the source of the leak and fix it.
- Smoke is backing up into your living space. If your chimney starts smoking all of a sudden, it could be due to a blockage or damper issue. A blocked chimney is a major fire hazard.
- There is an unusual odor. We mentioned a musty odor earlier, but other types of smells can indicate different issues. An acidic smell can be due to creosote buildup and a musky odor can point to animal activity. Either way, a new smell is usually due to a change in your chimney system.
Have You Scheduled Your Annual Chimney Inspection Yet?
We understand that life can get hectic and things may fall by the wayside so before you forget to lock you in your annual chimney inspection, get in touch with Legendary Chimney Solutions. We’re here to help you with all of your chimney needs. You can reach out to us by phone at 386-999-1329 or request an appointment here. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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