The fireplace can be a happy place for the family to gather 'round. But did you know that fireplaces and chimneys caused 27,0 home fires in the United States in 08 and that these fires have caused $ 147.6 million in property damage and 10 dead? 1
Such statistics drive home the importance of planning an annual inspection of the chimney. Ashley Eldridge, director of education at the Institute for Security Fireplace America (CSIA), said that even homeowners who do not use their homes should spring for inspection. Indeed, other heating appliances of a house also release toxic gases through the chimney; when debris clogs his flight, these harmful vapors remain in your home.
"Preventive measures are generally much cheaper than repairs when you have a crisis," said Eldridge. "It just makes sense to be ahead of the curve."
Why an inspection of the chimney?
an inspector may check a big culprit chimney creosote fires, which is a thick, gummy substance that is a byproduct of burning wood . creosote causes most chimney fires, including one recently inspected by ERIE property Adjuster Sandi Benes. creosote buildup that chimney caused a fire that destroyed $ 23,000 of property. How did it happen? the owner decided to clean his chimney on its own.
to reduce the risk of fire caused by creosote, Benes recommend hiring a pro and burning wood only designated. "burning green wood or soft wood with the resin increases creosote build-up, "she says.
Chimney inspections typically cost between $ 100 and $ 300 and fall into one of two levels.
- Level One inspection
in a standard inspection, inspectors will spend about an hour to measure all components easily accessible the fireplace, as the size of the combustion chamber and the clearance range. From there, he or she will decide if your chimney needs sweeping.
A fireplace deserves a scan for a number of reasons, but the main include debris blocking the air ducts and creosote buildup. "The birds and squirrels are a very real problem," said Eldridge, who also saw all basketball leaves clumps stuck in chimneys. "Animals can set up camp there, and it can be really unpleasant. "
the debris is not removed is a major risk factor of fire or trapping toxic gases like carbon monoxide in your home. in addition to an annual inspection of the chimney, it is also interesting to see a chimney cap. These tools fit over the fireplace to prevent debris, and damage the water out.
- Level Two inspection
a closer inspection level two of the fireplace is a profitable investment for the new owners of a house that has not had a level of inspection. a two level inspection requires the sweep to get on the roof to made additional measures, such as the distance from the fireplace to all fuels.
For more information on each level and what that means, watch this video of CSIA.
Find a great sweep
CSIA lists more than 1300 scans that won the chimney Sweep® CSIA Certified Credential. This title proves a scan has a higher understanding of the tools, techniques and processes for the right job. In addition, all certified CSIA sweeps commit to a code of ethics.
To locate a certified chimney sweep CSIA in your area, visit the homepage of CSIA. Your scan will probably not have a cockney accent and a song in "Mary Poppins". But he or she will have the expertise to help you safely enjoy your home and hearth all winter.
1 http://www.cpsc.gov/library/fire08.pdf
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