From the new luxury residences and traditional colonial homes to the older craftsman bungalows that dot the Cumberland landscape, nearly all have one unique feature in common: a wood or gas-burning fireplace for primary or supplemental heating. As these heating appliances work hard through the long, cold, and snowy New England winters, it’s the chimney that bears the brunt of the work, expelling smoke and hazardous contaminants from the home. While masonry chimneys are fortified with a cap and crown to keep rain and curious critters at bay, damage to the masonry and its components is inevitable, making a certified chimney sweep and inspections a necessary part of home maintenance.
The Role of a Certified Chimney Sweep
A certified chimney sweep is a trained professional who has a deep understanding of chimney systems, combustion dynamics, and safety standards and building codes. Their expertise is essential in preventing chimney fires, identifying potential hazards in the flue, and ensuring your heating appliance operates efficiently and complies with building codes. Annual visits from a certified chimney sweep are key to improving efficiency, minimizing repairs, and protecting your home and family.
Why Annual Chimney Inspections & Professional Cleaning Are Essential in Providence County
In Cumberland and Providence County, where fireplaces are frequently burning, annual chimney inspections and professional cleaning are a must. That’s because burning wood or even gas can lead to the buildup of creosote, a highly flammable substance. The corrosive nature of combustion gases and other obstructions, like animal nests or debris, increases the risk of fire and exposure to toxic carbon monoxide fumes. It can also severely impede the draft, which can cause back puffing where thick smoke, noxious fumes, and hot soot are forced into your home through the fireplace. Regular cleaning removes these hazards, while inspections identify hidden damage and structural issues before they escalate into costly repairs or dangerous situations.
What Does a Full Service Sweep & Inspection Include?
A thorough chimney sweep and visual inspection, conducted by a certified professional, is necessary to determine the condition of your chimney system, noting any essential repairs or modifications that may be required to ensure compliance with building codes and safety regulations. Here’s what you can expect:
- Interior/Exterior Visual Inspection: This includes a visual inspection of the entire chimney structure, vents, connector piping, and any attached heating appliances.
- Chimney Liner and Flue: The sweep will also examine the chimney liner and flue for any signs of cracks, deterioration, or evidence of a previous chimney fire, which could compromise their integrity.
- Cap and Damper: The chimney cap and damper are inspected for signs of excessive wear or damage that could affect their functionality.
- Masonry: The masonry itself is also checked for signs of cracking, spalling, or deterioration that could indicate structural issues or open pathways for chimney leaks.
- Creosote and Obstructions: The sweep will assess the accumulation of creosote and identify any obstructions within the flue, recommending cleaning when necessary to ensure proper ventilation.
- Heating Appliances: Checking to ensure the heating appliances connected to the flue have the appropriate size liner and meet NFPA industry standards and codes.
Depending on the findings of your inspection report, your chimney might require a more in-depth inspection to check for damage that wasn’t visible through a standard review. The certified chimney professionals at Horizon are qualified to perform all necessary chimney inspections in strict accordance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards and codes, ensuring a complete and accurate assessment of your chimney’s condition.
How Often Should My Chimney Get Cleaned by a Sweep?
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that chimneys be inspected annually and swept as needed, based on the type of fuel used and the frequency of use. In areas like Cumberland and northeastern RI, where fireplace use is frequent during the long winters, your chimney may need to be swept more often, especially if you notice heavy buildup or reduced performance.
Call Horizon for Certified Chimney Sweeps & Inspections in Cumberland
For over three decades, Horizon Chimney Services has been proudly serving Eastern Rhode Island with professional chimney inspections, cleaning, and repairs. Our CSIA-certified chimney sweeps service homes in Cumberland and surrounding Providence Triangle and MetroWest communities, including Ashton RI, Smithfield RI, Valley Falls RI, and Plainville MA. Contact Horizon Chimney Services today to schedule your appointment!
