New England is notorious for its stunning beauty, but also its harsh winters, which is why many New Englanders depend on their fireplaces and stoves to keep their homes comfortable during the cold months. Because fireplaces and stoves are used regularly during winter, they can cause problems in the chimney. Chimney issues, such as creosote buildup and blockages, can impede the flow of smoke and toxic gases, leading to a deadly chimney fire. A healthy chimney is essential for heating efficiency and safety, which is why it’s crucial to schedule regular inspections and cleanings.
Horizon Chimney Services is the number one chimney and fireplace service company in Pawtucket, RI; Central Falls, RI; North Providence, RI; Providence, RI; Johnston, RI; and the surrounding areas.
Pawtucket, RI Chimney Inspections
According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, homeowners with wood-burning fireplaces and stoves should schedule a chimney inspection at least once a year, preferably before winter, before the heating season begins. Regular inspections help ensure the chimney is safe, functioning properly, and free of major structural damage.
Our certified inspectors can detect creosote buildup, debris or animal-nest blockages, cracks in the flue, damaged liners, water intrusion, and structural issues such as deteriorating mortar joints and loose bricks. Catching these problems early, before the heating season, reduces the risk of chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. It’s also much cheaper to fix minor issues when they’re found, rather than waiting until they become major, expensive repairs.
What Happens During a Chimney Inspection
During a routine chimney inspection, our technicians will check the interior and exterior of the chimney for safety and performance issues. They’ll look for creosote buildup, soot, blockages like bird nests and debris, cracks in the flue liner, damaged masonry, signs of water intrusion, and poor venting.
Here’s what we do.
- Visual Inspection: We examine the exterior and interior of the chimney to look for signs of damage.
- Flue Inspection: We’ll typically use a video camera to inspect the flue liner and check for cracks.
- Creosote Check: We’ll check the creosote level to determine if it needs to be removed.
- Damper Check: Examine the damper to ensure it works properly and seals tightly.
- Written Report: Once finished, we’ll provide a written report detailing what we found and our recommendations for cleaning, maintenance, or repairs. We also include images to illustrate what we’re talking about, so you can make an informed decision.
If there’s a thick layer of creosote buildup, we may need to remove it before an inspection, as it can obscure the flue and other components and prevent us from assessing their condition.
Pawtucket, RI Chimney Cleaning
Horizon Chimney Services offers professional, thorough chimney sweeping services to homeowners in Pawtucket, RI, and surrounding areas. During an inspection, we’ll determine whether a cleaning is necessary, and if so, we can handle it during the same visit.
Our crews use specialized tools and equipment to remove creosote buildup and debris from the chimney. This ensures proper drafting and venting, reducing the risk of a chimney fire.
Why Creosote is Dangerous
Creosote is a dark, tar-like residue that forms inside a chimney when wood smoke cools and condenses. It is highly flammable, so heavy buildup can ignite and cause a chimney fire. Creosote can also restrict airflow, allowing smoke and harmful gases to back up into the home.
When the creosote layer gets thick, it’s known as stage 3 or glazed creosote, and this is when it’s most dangerous, because a spark or intense heat can ignite it into a fast-spreading fire that can quickly spread to the roof and the rest of the house.
Professional Chimney Inspections in Pawtucket, RI
If you can’t remember the last time you’ve had your chimney inspected, call the pros at Horizon Chimney Services now. We have over three decades of service in Pawtucket, RI; Providence, RI; Seekonk, RI; Johnston, RI; Rehoboth, RI; Cumberland, RI; and the surrounding areas. Call us today or click for an appointment.
