Avoid the “Neglect Penalty”: Use your Tax Refund for a Sweep or Inspection
You just received your tax return. Now what? You can take it and blow it on nonessential items you really don't need, or you can be responsible and take inventory of what needs to be done on your house that you have been putting off.
If you haven't had a chimney sweep and inspection in recent years, that could be a great way to spend your refund. Chimney professionals recommend having your chimney swept and inspected annually to keep you and your family safe from fire hazards.
On average, chimney fires are more common in the United States than most homeowners realize. The numbers are fairly consistent across major fire safety organizations: 20,000 to 25,000 chimney fires are reported each year, according to data from the National Fire Protection Association and industry groups. This damage has cost over $100 million in property damage.
Causes of Chimney Fires:
- The number one cause of chimney fires is the buildup of creosote: the black, tarry, flammable residue from burning wood.
- Lack of maintenance is a major factor as well.
- Burning unseasoned firewood or wet wood. This builds a smoking fire, which accelerates the buildup of creosote.
- Poor airflow or draft problems. Often, nesting animals and debris get clogged up in the chimney. This causes a blockage that can ignite and cause fires.
What To Expect With A Chimney Inspection and Sweep?
- Inspection. There are three levels of inspection.
- Level 1: Basic Annual Chimney Inspection. A visual inspection of all parts of the chimney inside and out that are accessible.
- Level 2: Real Estate or Post-Event Inspection. This may be used if you are selling or buying a home, or if there was a fire or structural damage that needs to be assessed. Videos and cameras may be used. This level will also cover all that level 1 offers.
- Level 3: If you or the inspector suspect a serious problem, a more detailed inspection, which may include moving walls, bricks, chimney crown, etc., is required to visualize areas that are out of reach for cameras or the naked eye.
- Chimney Sweep.
- Setting up the area. Our team will bring in tarps to drape the area around your fireplace opening to prevent soot from damaging the surrounding area.
- Clean the flue. We come equipped with all the tools needed to clean your flue.
- We bring flexible rods and specialized brushes to get the job done. We scrub the inside to remove soot, creosote, and any blockage found.
