Spring is nearly here. With warmer weather around the corner, it’s the perfect time to tackle some of those home projects before the start of summer. One of particular importance? Scheduling your annual chimney inspection and sweeping.
A regular maintenance plan will ensure that your appliance is safer for use and can hold up over the long haul. And, believe it or not, you should look into scheduling this service sooner than you may think. Specific questions, comments, or concerns? Don’t hesitate to reach out to the dedicated team of professionals here at Smalling Masonry. Get in touch through our website, or give us a call at 317-903-8121.
What Is the Best Time of Year To Have My Chimney Inspected?
Generally speaking, anytime between spring and summer is ideal for a chimney inspection. Given the increase in temperatures, tending to your fireplace and chimney is likely on the lower end of your priority list. Yet, when it comes to your chimney, timely prevention is key.
Think of it this way – after a long winter, your system likely saw a great deal of use. And while it might look pristine from the outside, much of what makes a chimney dangerous lurks out of view. That’s why it is important to have a professional investigate everything from the exterior structural integrity to the minute hidden components. A chimney inspection gives you confidence that your appliance is in good condition, so you don’t have to stress about dangers to your family and home.
What Are the Advantages of Scheduling My Inspection Early?
Scheduling your chimney inspection earlier than you may think has several notable benefits:
- It provides ample time to address any structural or functional concerns. Just because you’re not planning on using your appliance for the next few months, doesn’t mean you should put off your inspection. The truth is this: a professional chimney inspection is the only way to get a full and holistic idea of the condition of your appliance. If we do find damage or inefficiencies, an early inspection leaves plenty of time for repairs.
- Prevent animal entry and/or remove any existing nesting materials. Depending on how long you wait to have your system inspected, you run the risk of critters entering your chimney. Chimney swifts, for instance, often nest in chimneys during the summer months, and because they’re a protected species, you’d have to wait till they migrate south again to perform any chimney services. An early inspection can safeguard your system against any kind of animal entry. Not to mention, if you haven’t regularly used your fireplace over the winter, there’s always a chance that animals took up residence already. Scheduling your chimney inspection in the early spring or summer will not only remove any existing materials, but encourage those animals to look elsewhere when “house shopping.”
- You’re sure to get an appointment before the busy season. Chimney sweep companies are always busiest in the fall. It’s the time of year when everyone starts using their appliances again and our phones start to ring off the hook with appointment requests. Because most of the work we do in the fall revolves around chimney damage and repair, it can often be hard to find time in our schedule to book preventative maintenance services like inspections. Planning ahead and getting this necessary task taken care of well before you plan to use your fireplace again will not only save you peace of mind, but ensure that you can get an appointment with our dedicated, excellent service professionals.
How Often Should I Schedule a Chimney Inspection?
The industry standard is at least once a year. Period. Whether you use your appliance daily, or you haven’t touched it in years, both the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) require homeowners to have their hearth systems cleaned and inspected annually.
Ready To Book Your Inspection? Call the Pros at Smalling Masonry Today!
Take charge of your to do list and get this task taken care of by reaching out to the Smalling Masonry team today. Our technicians are not only professional, highly trained, and certified by the CSIA, but we’re friendly, too. We’re always more than happy to answer any questions and address all your concerns, before we ever step foot in your home.
To learn more about Smalling Masonry and what we can do for you, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re reachable online, through our website, or by phone at 317-903-8121. We look forward to serving you!