Ask the Experts
Have a question about chimney flues, caps or liners?
HERE ARE ANSWERS TO SOME OF OUR CUSTOMERS’ MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.
Why should my chimney be inspected annually?
How often should my chimney’s flues be cleaned?
Why should my chimney have a cap?
When is a chimney liner recommended?
How should I choose a chimney professional?
Why should my chimney be inspected annually?
It’s important to have your chimney inspected each year for many reasons, including:
To check if its flues are leak free, ensuring that no poisonous gases enter your home.
To check the level of soot or creosote deposits. Excessive soot can indicate a problem with the furnace, and creosote buildup can cause and sustain chimney fires.
To check for early signs of deterioration in the flue tiles, masonry or bricks. Detected early enough, expensive repairs may be avoided.
How often should my chimney’s flues be cleaned?
If you’re burning gas, you may be able to go a few years without a cleaning. An annual inspection will determine whether or not you’ll need one.
If you’re burning oil, wood, wood pellets or coal pellets, a cleaning of once per year is recommended. Burning not fully seasoned wood or many cords of wood per year may require more frequent cleanings. Inspections will dictate the required interval.
If you’re burning lump coal, the frequency of cleaning is determined by the quality and amount of coal you’re burning. An annual inspection will determine when it needs to be cleaned.
Why should my chimney have a cap?
The better question is: Why don’t all chimneys have caps? Caps are essential to a chimney’s safety and performance. They keep out inclement weather, debris and animals, which otherwise may cause deterioration and create blockages that may trap dangerous carbon monoxide in your home.
Don’t underestimate the importance of a chimney cap. If you need a new or replacement cap, call us today!
When is a chimney liner recommended?
If a chimney doesn’t have an existing liner inside the bricks or some of the clay flue tiles are cracked, missing or in poor condition, a liner must be installed to avoid the risk of deadly carbon monoxide entering the home.
Not sure if your chimney needs one? Call us for an honest assessment!
How should I choose a chimney professional?
There are several important things to consider when choosing a chimney service to inspect, clean, repair or protect your chimney:
Is the company fully insured, carrying active liability and worker’s compensation policies?
Are they willing to give references for the type of work that you’re interested in?
Are prices, terms, warranties and guarantees clearly stated?
Are you dealing with the owner or a manager who can deliver on, and take responsibility for, all promises and claims?
Are all of your questions answered completely and professionally?
Are you given time and understanding when making a decision, instead of being rushed into unclear and expensive repairs?
Do you feel like you’re getting “straight talk” and a good value?
Have more questions about inspections, caps, liners, masonry repairs, dampers, or anything else?
Call us today at call us at 774.287.9421 or e-mail us at info@aaronschimneyservice.com.
