It is very important to perform a chimney cleaning prior to the sell of your home. This is one of the most overlooked systems in a home inspection. The home inspector told us “we don’t have the expertise to check out the fireplace or chimney.” We have followed up on many recent home sales to find issues in the chimney or fireplaces.
Chimney cleaning (sweeping) is a dangerous but valuable service that prevents creosote build up. This is a highly flammable material and can start chimney fires.
If you are a home buyer, it is mandatory to inspect the chimney, the chimney cap and the chimney flue for defects and build up. The home inspection probably will not cover this in detail.
Below are the levels of chimney inspection and cleaning before you sell the home.
Level 1 inspection – a visual chimney and fireplace inspection. A chimney sweep uses a headlamp to look for damage, obstructions (bird nests, debris), creosote build up and soot. They are looking for the basic soundness of the chimney structure, support and flue. Also, if a chimney liner is in place, is the connection sound. Finally, the chimney inspector will provide a report of the findings for the seller.
Level 2 inspection – required when major changes were made to the original system. Changes include: fuel type, the shape or material of the chimney flue and changes to the efficiency or chimney rating. This chimney inspection includes all level 1 steps. A level 2 inspection is required in some areas upon the sale or transfer of a home. Any event that caused damage to the chimney, its foundation or flue must be inspected.
Level 3 – includes both level 1 and level 2 chimney inspection items. Level 3 chimney inspection removes parts of the chimney wall, chimney crown and interior fire blocks. It also inspects the foundation (crawl spaces, supports), required limits from combustible materials and roof openings.
What is the cost for a chimney inspection?
Chimney cleaning cost to sell your home range from $250 to $1,800. The total price depends on the number of fireplaces and the levels of chimney inspection.
Realtors will update their skill training to advise home sellers of this vital inspection. It is an additional cost. The peace of mind in the buyer’s eyes is so worth the expense.
Finally, call your home insurance agent. Insurance companies lower the cost of house insurance if the chimney is inspected. Also, a monitored fire and smoke system lowers most insurance premiums.
A tight chimney seal and waterproofing chimney is the best prevention for water damage into your home. Over time, concrete grout and brick will open up and allow rain water to enter the chimney and fireplace. Waterproofing chimney costs are minimal compared to the damage avoided. A chimney seal is your best defense for water damage.
This water will do substantial damage to the framing and structure of your living areas if not checked and stopped. A chimney inspection by a qualified and honest chimney company will uncover areas that can create issues in the near future.
Degraded grout and brick allow water to enter the chimney cap area. Chimney seal is the key.
Water penetration can wreak havoc on chimneys, leading to a variety of telltale signs indicating deterioration. Understanding these symptoms can help in addressing issues before they escalate into significant problems.
1. Degrading Mortar Joints
One of the initial indicators of water damage is the weakening of mortar joints. When mortar starts to decay, it loses its binding strength, potentially causing bricks to become loose and unstable.
2. Spalling Bricks
Spalling occurs when bricks start to flake, chip, or crumble. This happens because water infiltration causes masonry materials to expand and contract. Over time, this stresses the surface, leading to visible deterioration.
3. Cracks in the Chimney
Cracking is another common sign. Look for visible cracks in the chimney structure, as they can allow more water to seep in, worsening the situation. Addressing these cracks early can prevent further damage.
4. Chipping Masonry
Chipping or breaking off of masonry pieces is a clear sign of neglect and water-related damage. This not only affects the chimney’s functionality but also its aesthetic appeal and structural integrity.
Regular maintenance and inspections can identify these issues early, ensuring your chimney remains safe and effective for years to come.
How is it fixed?
Elbow grease is required to dig out the old cracked and dried grout. Repointing the chimney with new grout and fixing any broken or chipped bricks solves the water problem. After all of the entrances of water are blocked, the entire structure is waterproofed with a coating designed to last upwards of 10 years. Waterproofing chimney structures is a wise investment for your home.
A well done chimney seal will last for a decade or more. During your annual chimney sweep inspection, any issues with water or cracks will be corrected. This includes the chimney flashing area also. Water finds its way into any small openings, even if they are not obvious.
When looking for wood burning stoves for sale near me, don’t waste your money on cheap, inferior stoves made overseas. High quality wood burning stoves will last a lifetime. Their finish will not peal off and the metal will not warp with use.
Remember, these stoves will reach temperatures over 1,000 degrees when fully stocked. The are very capable of heating an entire house during the worst of winter storms. As with most appliances today, you definitely get what you pay for with wood burning stoves.
Check out our wood burning stove store page for the manufacturers and models we install. Clear Chimney only installs the best quality stoves for your home. We may also have access to top quality used stoves at times. Often, our long time customers will upgrade their stoves or will want a new look. We can make a deal with them to buy their used wood burning stove. This allows us to offer a great stove at a significant discount to you. Only quality stoves are bought so you can rest assured we have your back.
Imagine putting your feet up to a quality wood burning stove today.
Always check references and referrals when installing a stove
When you are deciding on buying a wood burning stoves for sale near me, be sure to check references. Clear Chimney’s testimonials are second to none. We have pages of 5 star reviews. Our customers are willing to spread the news about our locally owned, family business here in east Tennessee.
Call us for a free estimate on the cost of installing a new wood stove in your house. We will let you know about the codes for clearances around the stove. The materials that must be used for safety. All of our work is backed by our reputation and honest ways of doing business.
Don’t take a risk with your home. Saving a few dollars on an inferior wood burning stove never pays off over time. We will lay out every type of stove and the pros and cons of each. Call us now as the cold temperatures create a huge backlog in workload. We want you to have a great stove in time for the holidays and the winter ahead.
