Fireplace and Chimney Inspections

Seattle fireplace and chimney inspections should be performed at least once per year in order to maintain peace of mind and ensure safety. There are a lot of things that can go wrong with a Seattle fireplace or chimney and most of them can quickly lead to a disaster in the form of a fire. Taking the initiative to have an inspection performed not only prevents mishaps but can also lower insurance costs with many Seattle companies.

 

It is in the nature of brick, block, and mortar to occasionally crack over time allowing heat, smoke, and fire to escape. While minute cracks and fissures are not a problem when everything is operating normally, but they can be the cause of a major problem when something goes wrong. Taking care of the minor issues while they are still minor is the point of getting a Seattle inspection done.

Soot is a natural byproduct of fire that collects on the surfaces of the chimney over time. When the wood being burned is not fully cured it can contain a large amount of soot, as can a slow burning fire of any kind of wood. The other byproduct is creosote, an oily, resinous substance that combines with soot to form a dangerous coating inside the lining of the chimney, stovepipe, and fireplace. When combined with Seattle rain an odor may present itself.

 

Soot and creosote can burn off naturally when a fire is burning hot and this often solves the problem before it has a chance to become a big issue, but occasionally this does not occur and a buildup takes place. This buildup can cause a chimney fire, which will cause the interior of the chimney to get much hotter than normal. This is when the tiny fissures and cracks represent the most risk.

 

During a chimney fire hot gasses and even fire escape from the cracks, causing the surrounding building materials to get extremely hot and occasionally setting them on fire. This kind of fire is a particularly difficult kind to detect and to fight, as it takes place deep within the walls of the home. Even worse is the fact that smoke detectors often do not detect this kind of fire until it is raging inside the walls and has spread to other parts of the structure.

 

Couple these risks with the fact that a chimney fire is at least as likely as not to happen in the middle of the night and the real issue becomes a huge danger very capable of taking lives. Even if a small fire is detected early the cost of cleanup and repair is immense. Seattle firefighters will pour hundreds of gallons of water inside the home, and probably poke huge holes into walls and maybe even the roof trying to put out the fire. Often the water and forced entry cause far more damage than the fire itself.

 

This scenario does not have to progress to the point of a fire if regular inspections are done and the problem is solved when it is just a minor maintenance issue. Our Seattle experts can inspect your fireplace or chimney for issues anywhere in the greater Seattle area, and we can help you determine the best approach to solving any problems that are found.

Typical solutions for chimney and fireplace issues include a simple cleaning of the chimney and occasionally tuckpointing (packing in fresh mortar between the bricks) or replacing a few bricks or blocks. Some Seattle chimneys need to be relined, but rarely are chimneys or fireplaces replaced entirely.

 

The best time to schedule an inspection is late in the spring after the Seattle weather has warmed up enough to let the fire go out for a while, and in the fall before the Seattle weather turns cold enough to start using a fire. It is also critical to have an inspection immediately after there is a known chimney fire. If a fireplace or wood stove doesn't want to burn it may be a sign of a poor draft caused by a soot and creosote blockage, and an inspection performed by your Seattle experts is in order.

 

The best approach to Seattle fireplace and chimney safety is to schedule a cleaning and inspection at least once a year and to pay attention for any changes in the way the system works when in use. The cleaning process will clear the chimney of all soot, creosote, and debris that has accumulated such as Seattle animal nests or leaves.

The inspection process will include a complete assessment of the safety of the entire system including the chimney, liner, flue, and fireplace or wood stove and a report will be provided allowing the Seattle homeowner to decide what actions to take, if any. If done regularly an annual cleaning and inspection is a routine maintenance procedure that takes little time, doesn't cost much, and leaves no mess when performed by a Seattle expert.

 

When first moving into a Seattle home, or before using a chimney or fireplace for an extended period of time, it is crucial to have a complete cleaning and inspection prior to lighting the first fire of the Seattle season. Failing to do so can put a Seattle house and even an entire family at risk and can cost much more than a simple cleaning.

 

The Seattle inspector will be sure to inform the Seattle homeowner of any safety risks or violations of Seattle building code as well as typical fire safety, and a certificate can be provided for the insurance company to prove an inspection was done and all systems are safe.