For Chimney Inspection & Video Scan Services Near Tulsa & Skiatook, Call Comfort Class
Wondering who can perform a chimney inspection near you? The team at Comfort Class serves Skiatook, Tulsa, and many surrounding areas, ensuring you get the best care, every time. Give us a call or reach out online now to get started.
How Often Should I Book a Chimney Inspection?
Having a professional chimney sweep routinely inspect and clean your chimney ensures creosote is regularly removed and any blockages or other issues are addressed promptly – all of which greatly reduces your chance of chimney fire or other malfunction.
But how do you know when those routine chimney cleanings are needed? And how do you know if something isn’t working right in your chimney and fireplace? Or if animals, birds, or leaves are clogging your chimney? The answer is: an annual chimney inspection.
The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends annual inspections for every single chimney, even if it’s not used often or at all. Whether you have a wood stove, a gas fireplace, a pellet insert, or another type of appliance, it doesn’t matter! Chimney inspections should be on your “To Schedule” list each and every year.
What will we check during an inspection? It depends on which level of inspection we’re performing…
What Are the 3 Levels of Chimney Inspections?
Chimney inspections are conducted at three different levels, each designed to address specific concerns and ensure your chimney is operating as safely as possible. What level you need can vary, depending on the condition of your chimney, the date of your last inspection, any notable recent weather events, and more.
If you’ve been really good about keeping up with annual inspections and maintenance, and if you haven’t made any major changes to your system in the last year, you’ll likely only need a level 1 chimney inspection. If that’s the case, we’ll visually check the following:
- the flue, using lights and mirrors
- the chimney cap and crown
- the damper
- the smoke chamber
- the firebox
- the flashing
- the chimney stack
Essentially, if it’s readily accessible and it doesn’t require special tools or equipment, we’ll check it. These inspections are standard with sweepings.
If you’ve recently moved into a new home, you’re selling your current home, you’ve had a chimney fire or malfunction, you’ve gone through a major weather event, you’re relining the flue, or you’re changing hearth appliances, a level 2 inspection will be more appropriate. In fact, in many of these instances, a level 2 inspection is required.
This is an inspection that includes a video scan of the chimney system, including a thorough overview of the flue, chimney cap, chimney crown, damper, smoke chamber, firebox, and flashing. We’ll evaluate every accessible area of the chimney system, and will need access to the roof, the attic, and the crawlspace.
The purpose of the video scan is to allow us to see every area we need to see, in order to determine if the chimney is properly built, capable of containing a chimney fire and the byproducts of combustion, and as safe as possible for continued use.
Level 3 Chimney & Fireplace Inspections
If you have a problem that we can’t get to the bottom of without removing portions of the chimney or home, we may recommend a level 3 chimney inspection. Everything in a level 1 and level 2 is included, but as stated, a level 3 can also include some demo work.
What Are We Looking for During a Chimney or Fireplace Inspection?
During a comprehensive chimney inspection, a certified technician will meticulously assess various components to identify potential issues and ensure optimal performance. We’ll check to make sure the chimney and hearth appliance is properly installed and connected, and that the entire structure is sound. We’re also looking for any damage or signs of leaks or buildup.
Of course, if you’ve called about a specific issue or problem, the inspection is our way of troubleshooting the system and pinpointing the origin of the problem.
The inspection should also verify the proper installation and connection of the chimney and hearth appliance. This includes examining the structural integrity of the chimney, ensuring it is well built, and verifying that it’s free from any damage that could compromise its functionality. Overall, a chimney inspection is a proactive measure that can help prevent costly repairs and ensure the safety of your home. By identifying and addressing potential issues early on, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your chimney is functioning as safely and efficiently as possible.
What Are the Dangers of a Dirty Chimney?
The chimney plays a pivotal role in the overall safety and performance of your fireplace. A dirty chimney restricts the draw of air, reducing your fireplace’s ability to vent carbon monoxide and smoke to the outside of your home.
Let’s lay it all out. A dirty chimney poses several significant dangers, including:
- An increased risk of chimney fires. The most serious danger is the risk of a chimney fire. Creosote, a flammable byproduct of burning wood, accumulates in your chimney over time. If the buildup becomes thick enough, it can ignite, causing a fire that can damage your chimney and eventually spread to your home.
- Higher chance of carbon monoxide entering the home. A clogged or dirty chimney can block the proper flow of smoke and gases out of your home. This can result in carbon monoxide (CO) backing up into your living space. CO is odorless, colorless, and can be deadly if inhaled in high concentrations.
- Potential structural damage to the chimney. Creosote buildup and other debris can cause corrosion and deterioration of the chimney structure, including the liner, chimney cap, firebox, and more. This damage can compromise the safety and integrity of the chimney and fireplace, leading to costly repairs.
- Increased chance of poor indoor air quality. A dirty chimney can reduce airflow, causing smoke to fill your home when you use the fireplace. This can lead to poor indoor air quality, which can be uncomfortable or harmful to your health, especially for those with already existing respiratory issues.
- Higher heating and energy bills. A blocked or dirty chimney affects how efficiently your fireplace or stove operates. Poor airflow means your heating appliance will work harder to create warmth, leading to increased energy consumption and higher heating costs.
- A chance of unpleasant odors in your home. When a chimney is dirty, it can develop a musty or smoky odor, which can permeate your home. These odors may be especially strong when the weather outside is humid or when you use your air conditioner.
- Reduced fireplace efficiency. When a chimney is obstructed by soot, creosote, or debris, it hinders the efficiency of your fireplace or stove. This can result in poor combustion, leading to less heat and more smoke in your home.
The best path for avoiding these hazards and complications? Book regular chimney cleaning and maintenance with us. We’re here to answer your questions and help with whatever you need – reach out now.
Schedule Your Chimney Inspection & Video Scan Today
If it’s been a year or more since your last chimney inspection, give Comfort Class a call today. We’re home to Oklahoma’s first and only Master Certified Chimney Specialist, and our CSIA-certified experts are trained, knowledgeable, and equipped to do the job right. We’ll let you know if any maintenance, cleanings, or repairs are needed, so you can go into your burn season with peace of mind. Reach out today.
Dirty chimney? Be sure to book your chimney sweeping and cleaning services with us – our chimney and fireplace services cover it all.