Only on a cold Atlanta evening, few things are more relaxing than sitting beside the bright, crackling flames of a warm fireplace while sipping your favorite hot beverage. If you have a fireplace in your home and have a professional chimney sweep, then you are aware of the critical role annual chimney inspections play in keeping your home and family safe. However, are you familiar with a chimney scan? This article will discuss the benefits of a fireplace chimney scan.
What is a Chimney Scan?The certified chimney professionals at Chimney Solutions are trained for all three inspection levels established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). A chimney scan is a standard feature of a level 2 inspection. Our Certified Chimney Sweep® performs a chimney scan by lowering a specially-fitted CCTV camera deep inside the chimney. Known as professionally as Chim-Scan®, the system scans the entire interior flue surface from the top of the chimney down to the fireplace. The video scan is performed in real time, allowing the sweep to see tiny holes and surface cracks on a video monitor that cannot be seen in a basic level 1 visual inspection with an unaided eye.
According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), homeowners need a level two fireplace and chimney inspection when:
The chimney technician will provide complete written documentation showing where problems exist and whether your chimney needs repair or relining.
Fire Prevention: One significant benefit of a chimney scan is detecting hidden damages in the flue that could result in a devastating chimney fire. This alone considerably outweighs the cost of a level 2 inspection.
Reduce Repairs: Another chimney scan benefit is detecting minor problems before they manifest into costlier repairs.
Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Gas and wood-burning fireplaces produce carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is poisonous. In addition, if there are small holes or cracks in the liner or masonry, carbon monoxide could pollute your indoor air, leading to severe health problems.
Minimizes Moisture Intrusion: Chimneys in Marietta, Peachtree City, and surrounding Greater Atlanta communities are subject to additional stress during extreme temperature swings from ice-cold winters to hot and humid summers. These extreme weather conditions gradually degrade the masonry, leading to chimney leaks that further accelerate the damage. It can even compromise the structural integrity of your chimney and fireplace.
If it has been more than 12 months since your last inspection, you are planning to install a new heating appliance, or are planning to sell your home, call the certified professionals at Chimney Solutions at (770) 255-1300 to schedule a fireplace chimney scan today. You can also contact us online.
