Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or have owned several properties before, you’ve realized by now that the list of things to do is always expanding. If you have a relatively new home that was built with high-quality materials, your maintenance requirements as a homeowner might be less. But if you live in an older home – particularly one that hasn’t undergone any major renovations in quite some time – there are constantly things that need to be done.
Some of those things are easier to notice than others. For example, if your hot water heater goes out, you’re going to know about it right away. Likewise, if your gutters are leaking gutters during the springtime months, or if damaged windows make it impossible to keep the house cool during the summer, you’re going to need solutions right away.
But there are other things that are not always easy to spot – these are the most dangerous problems as a homeowner, because they can get worse over time without you knowing it. Chimneys are one of those areas where issues can go unnoticed for a long time, slowly developing into more expensive – and dangerous – situations.
- You haven’t performed maintenance in a long time
Skipping routine maintenance is the single most common reason why problems develop in various areas of a chimney. Annual safety inspections are strongly recommended by all major government professional organizations who deal with home safety. These inspections are fast and easy when you call the right person, and they keep your chimney in good working order from top to bottom. If it’s been more than a year since your last inspection, it’s important to get it done right away.
- It’s been a long winter
During a long and cold winter, you’ve probably used your fireplace more than usual. That’s what it’s for, after all – there’s nothing like a warm fire on a cold winter night. But all of that buildup can lead to problems, especially if you’re chimney hasn’t been cleaned on a regular schedule. Anytime your chimney has been used heavily, a chimney maintenance check is a good idea.
- You’ve just moved in and you don’t know the state of the chimney
It’s a good idea to make sure the chimney is in good working order before you buy a house, but there are situations where people move in without really know what’s going on in the chimney. Sometimes, the people who are selling the home and the real estate agents don’t even know. Calling for a professional inspection is a good idea in situations like this.
The right call for chimney repair and inspections
Your chimney isn’t something you want to spend a lot of time thinking about – that’s why it’s important to have a reliable professional in your corner to conduct regular maintenance checks and perform any necessary repairs. It’s recommended by safety experts to have your chimney inspected at least once per year by a reputable pro, whether or not you’ve used your chimney a lot during the course of the year. The stakes aren’t just aesthetic, either – but safety. Maintaining a fully-functional chimney as an important step toward keeping you and your family safe throughout the year.