by Billy Sweet | Jul 20, 2016 | Chimney Inspection
If your home or property has a chimney it is recommended that you have it cleaned regularly and inspected annually, before and during burning season. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends a chimney inspection annually even if nothing has changed with the chimney. However, if there has been any changes to the 
chimney, it should undergo a level two inspection. A level two inspection requires a video scan. Other reasons to schedule a video scan for your chimney is if you’re suspecting damage or debris. Anything that obstructs the chimney or allows damage to persist in the chimney can put your entire family and home at risk of fire.
Reasons to Schedule Video Surveillance
The chimney is a closed system. The ‘old west’ system of using a mirror to check for obstruction and damage is long gone. Today it’s not only yourself that is invested in your property. Your real estate agent, insurance adjuster, and mortgage lender all want to know that your chimney is sound. Video surveillance is the best way to get a detailed report on the condition of your chimney.
There are other reasons to schedule a video scan for your chimney. For instance, if you notice a problem with your chimney, suspect damage, or blockage, it’s a good time to have it done. A video scan can detect:
- Debris
- It can be caused from animals nesting, or leaves and twigs falls into the chimney from the top. Either way, debris can cause blockage, as well as fire hazard.
- Creosote.
- A natural byproduct of organic fire, creosote attaches to the walls of the chimney flue. If left unchecked and if regular chimney sweeps are neglected, this creosote can persist and buildup, resulting in glazed creosote [http://www.csia.org/about-csia/faq.aspx#6]. Glazed creosote is an extreme fire hazard, as it not only slows the venting process, but is highly flammable.
- Damage.
- Even a hairline crack in a chimney flue can let moisture in, wreaking havoc on your chimney system. Cracks like this cannot be seen with the naked eye, and are best detected with a video scan.
Call a Professional Today
A chimney sweep company that offers chimney inspection should also offer video scans. Billy Sweet doesn’t only offer video scans, but we use the best technology for the job. Our CSIA certified chimney sweeps use the Chim-Scan camera system and the Kohler Vis2000-Pro to properly inspect your chimney. Our sweeps are experienced in using this equipment to locate leaks, voids, and other problems with your chimney, as well as to verify the chimney is clean and ready to work following a cleaning or repair.
Billy Sweet Chimney Sweeps not only uses video surveillance to check on your chimney during an inspection, but also to check our work. You won’t have to wonder if the job is done correctly, because we offer our customers a detailed report that is acceptable to officials like real estate and insurance agents.
Don’t leave yourself guessing about your chimney’s safety. Worry less and schedule a chimney scan today.
by Billy Sweet | May 25, 2016 | Chimney Draft Problems, Chimney Flashing, Chimney Inspection, Chimney Maintenance
Spring isn’t just an ideal time for spring cleaning. It’s also a great time to complete your chimney checklist to ensure the safety and efficiency of your chimney system. As the saying goes April showers bring May flowers, and if your spring showers have caused you some chimney worries, you might have a leak, and a leak is a big deal.
It is important to call a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® (CCS) as soon as you suspect a chimney leak. By the time a homeowner notices signs of a chimney leak, it’s likely that it’s caused substantial unseen damage.
Some Signs of a Chimney Leak
1. Water stained walls and ceiling
2. Clogged clean-out area
3. Rusted parts
4. Dripping in fireplace
5. Fowl smelling chimney and fireplace
6. Stained Chimney
By the time these problems are noticed by the homeowner, the damage has been done. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) water can cause much more extensive damage that can be detected by a professional during a cleaning or inspection.
Why Hire a Professional
A general contractor or roofer is not the right professional to make this diagnosis. Calling a certified chimney sweep insures homeowners that the job will be thorough, and damage will be detected and repaired in a timely and professional manner. When water penetrates your masonry chimney it causes damage such as: deteriorated firebox, decayed mortar, cracked or damaged flue lining, collapsed hearth support, tilting or collapsed chimney structure, and chimney settlement.
Not only will a professional chimney sweep inspect and diagnose your chimney problems, but should offer the homeowner a detailed report and repair plan.
At Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep, serving Boston, North Shore, and Portland area, we don’t only repair the damage, but trace the leak back to the source, and offer waterproofing services.
Waterproofing Your Chimney
Another reason to hire a professional chimney sweep is because prevention is cheaper than making repairs! At Billy Sweet Chimney Sweeps we apply a waterproof product on masonry chimneys that is created specially for chimneys to keep water out, but allows vapors to escape. We even offer FREE Waterproofing on exterior masonry repair.
Other Chimney Leak Prevention
While discussing your leaky chimney with a professional, don’t forget to mention these other preventative measures:
- chimney cap repair or replacement
- damper repair or replacement
- chimney crown inspection and repair
While planning your spring cleaning, do not neglect your chimney. Your annual chimney inspection is a great time to discuss waterproofing and leak prevention with a certified chimney sweep. A Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep is waiting for your call today.
by Billy Sweet | Apr 9, 2016 | Chimney Inspection, Chimney Maintenance
The weather is warm and you’re ready to open the windows and shut off the furnace or fireplace. While your spring cleaning is in full swing, don’t forget your fireplace and chimney. Homeowners should make it a priority to prepare their chimney system for fall.
Don’t Wait Until it’s Too Late
You can’t predict the weather. If you have put off your chimney cleaning and annual chimney inspection until the fall, you may be tempted to start a fire in a dirty or dangerous chimney. Make sure it’s ready when you need it.
You may invite unpleasant odors into your home. If your chimney is not inspected and your chimney cap is damaged or installed improperly, you may find animals making a home in your chimney. These animals may die and leave an odor in your home. Also, when ashes are left in the fireplace or furnace, they can combine with moisture from the chimney and cause more unpleasant odors. These odors are unwelcome in a newly clean house!
Your insurance may require it. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends regular chimney sweepings, and annual chimney inspections to insure the safety and efficiency of your chimney system. A Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep uses a Chim-Scan® camera system in order to see every part of the interior of your chimney. With this thorough system we are able to give you a detailed report of our findings for insurance or real estate purposes.
You may need repairs that are best completed during the off season. Chimney sweeps are less busy during the off season, so it is easier to schedule an appointment during this time. When you schedule your cleaning and inspection in the spring, you have the summer to make repairs if needed. This is a great way to make sure your chimney system is ready for fall!
Let the Professionals Handle It
You can rest easy knowing that a professional chimney sweep has taken care of your chimney. At Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep we are proud to offer services by a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® []. These chimney sweeps offer professional services and expert advice, because their first priority is the safety of your home or business. We know that neglect to chimney maintenance can cause flue fires as well as life-threatening gas accumulation in the home, and chimney damage or low-efficiency.
When you’re finished using your furnace or fireplace for the season, it is the best time to schedule your chimney maintenance and service with a professional at Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep. Call us today, and don’t regret it tomorrow.
