For Chimney Inspections Near Cincinnati, We’re Montgomery County’s Trusted Team

How Often Should You Check Your Chimney?

According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), homeowners should have their chimney professionally inspected and swept at least once every year before the burning season is underway. Why? Well, this ensures that before you begin to use your system regularly and rely on its heat production throughout the chillier months, you won’t have any safety or functionality issues that prohibit you from doing so safely.

However, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t also periodically check on the various components of your system yourself just so that you’re aware of anything that seems off or abnormal. What kinds of things should you keep an eye out for?

• Strange odors coming from your firebox
• Any signs of water leaks, like dripping inside the flue
• Gas logs having trouble igniting or staying lit
• Downdraft issues or smoke billowing back into your living space
• Excessive soot or creosote buildup accumulating on the inside of the firebox

In general, if you notice anything out of the ordinary – whether it’s an odor or an inefficiency – it’s best to call a professional out to give it a look. No matter what the problem is (or isn’t), operating a chimney system that is not performing properly can introduce a host of dangers.

Are There Different Types of Chimney Inspections? Is There a Checklist?

Yes, there are! Well, technically, it’s more of a difference in levels, depending on the circumstances. In terms of a checklist, it’s a bit more convoluted only because the different types of inspection all build upon the other.

All that said, there are certain components and procedures that are standard in every chimney inspection. While each professional chimney service company is different, every chimney inspection should include – in some way, shape, or form – the following:

• Check the flashing to verify that all seams are properly sealed and that there are no uncovered areas that could allow for water permeation. Depending on what we find, we might also check the attic or ceilings near the fireplace for signs of water damage.
• Inspect the chimney cap and make sure it is properly installed atop the flue. Over time, it is common for the metal to corrode and rust, and if there are any signs of damage, it’s important to replace it right away.
• See that the crown is properly protecting the chimney. We see it all the time… incorrectly installed crowns made of leftover mortar instead of the cement or concrete mixture it’s supposed to be made of. Our experts can rebuild it right. Or, if you have a metal chase cover, we’ll check to make sure nothing has rusted or shifted.
• Verify the strength and soundness of your bricks and mortar. Brick may be sturdy, but it is not indestructible. Over time, especially if it hasn’t been properly waterproofed or serviced in a few years, it’s possible that the bricks and mortar could be deteriorating and/or spalling, ultimately leading to inefficient operation of the entire system.
• Investigate for signs of animals in or around your cap/crown area. All too frequently, animals find a dormant dark place to build a family or retire and it’s much better (for both parties) that they are rescued and relocated before using your fireplace.
• Ensure that the flue liner has no cracks, holes, or any other signs of damage. With the liner being one of the most crucial elements in the whole chimney system operation, it’s important to check for buildup and signs of general deterioration. The extent of this part of the inspection is determined by what kind of inspection it is – level 1, 2, or 3.
• Check to see that the damper is functioning how it should, so that the system is both venting properly and has the ability to be closed when the system is not in use.
• Inspect the firebox, mantel, and other surrounding area to ensure that bricks and all other elements – especially those that are in direct contact with flames – aren’t damaged.

Remember that a basic chimney inspection checklist is just that – a basic outline for this common service. If you have specific concerns or questions about any part or piece of your chimney system, tell your technician! That way they can be sure to address that area and tell you what they see.

Questions? Call the Mid-Valley team at 513-727-0994 or reach out online today.

What Are the Parts That Make Up My Chimney? Why Is It Important for Me To Know Them?

In order to properly care for your chimney, it is a good practice to familiarize yourself with all the components that work together to create a fully functional chimney system. We tend to care for things a bit better – or at least pay more attention to them – when we understand what they are and how they work.

While there are slight variations across different types, models, and modes of fuel, for the most part, all chimney systems contain the following:

• Chimney Cap: Starting at the very top of the system, the chimney cap is usually constructed of a corrosion-resistant metal that both protects the flue from water damage, animal intrusion, and other debris, while also allowing for ventilation.
• Crown/Chase Cover: Right below the cap, the chimney crown is the cement/concrete-like shelf that acts as a barrier between the chimney and the outside. Similarly, a chase cover is traditionally found on prefab models, made of varying metals, and sits atop the entire top of the chimney chase, providing both protection from intrusion and allowing the flue to properly ventilate.
• Flashing: Located between the base of your chimney and your roof, the flashing is made of metal and seals off the small joints between chimney and roof, protecting both your system and the house itself from water damage and leaks.
• Chimney/Flue Liner: The innermost cavity of your chimney system, the flue is the space via which the smoke, exhaust, and other byproducts exit from. A chimney or flue liner refers to the material lining the inside of the chimney. Usually constructed of terra cotta clay or different types of metal, flue liners come in different shapes and sizes to accommodate each system and provide appropriate ventilation dimensions.
• Smoke Chamber: Continuing down into the system, the smoke chamber is the area found between the flue and the firebox. Shaped like an upside down pyramid, the smoke chamber is where the smoke collects and mixes before ultimately rising into the flue.
• Damper: This is the device that is used to seal off the flue when the chimney is not in use. Usually, it is a manual mechanism that sits on the edge of the smoke shelf and is controlled by a lever found in the top of the firebox. Top-sealing dampers, sealing near the top of the chimney, are also an option.
• Smoke Shelf: A small ledge found right above the firebox, the smoke shelf helps to direct the exhaust to collect in the smoke chamber before rising into the flue.
• Firebox: Finally, the part homeowners with a chimney are already familiar with – the firebox. This is where your fire lives, breathes, and eventually dies. As the element of your chimney that has the most direct contact with the heat and the flames, it’s imperative that the materials that make up your firebox are flame-resistant and strong enough to withstand the heat created by combustion.

Simply knowing how your chimney system is structured and which parts do what can be helpful if you ever notice that something appears to be off. While we never recommend you to troubleshoot or diagnose chimney issues yourself, having a basic understanding can only benefit you and your chimney care maintenance.

Do you have questions about the functionality of the different parts of your system? Generally confused about how your chimney works? If you live in or near Montgomery County, contact the team here at Mid-Valley Chimney Repair & Sweeps. We’d love to help you out. You can reach us through our website or by calling 513-727-0994.