The Importance Of Yearly Chimney Inspections

Here in Southeastern Pennsylvania, where the weather can swing from icy winters to strong spring winds and humid summers, an annual chimney inspection isn’t just a recommendation – it’s a vital investment in the safety and longevity of your home. Think of it as an essential, low-cost insurance policy protecting against the potentially devastating forces of fire, wind, and ice. While yearly chimney inspections are often highlighted for those using solid and fossil fuel appliances, every chimney, regardless of use, is exposed to the elements and requires regular professional checkups.

Skipping or postponing these yearly checks can have dire consequences, as evidenced by events that have impacted communities in our neighborhood.

Chimney Collapse

The destructive potential of a compromised chimney became strikingly clear on a balmy May evening in Allentown. Residents were settling in for the night when a brick chimney crumbled just after 11:00 P.M. The collapse was so severe that it brought down the entire side wall of a three-story row home, damaging a nearby utility pole before landing in the street. Fortunately, no one was injured, but the building was rendered unsafe, displacing residents. Investigators from the city’s building and safety department pointed to water damage within the masonry structure as the likely culprit, highlighting the importance of yearly chimney inspections.

Chimney Fire

Another tragic incident in Berks County underscored the deadly risk of neglected chimney maintenance. A fire, fueled by creosote buildup near the chimney and wood stove, resulted in the loss of two lives. Compounding the tragedy, firefighters discovered the home lacked functioning smoke detectors. Local firefighters are urging residents to ensure that they have working smoke detectors and that their chimneys are cleaned and properly maintained.

Water Damage

While collapses and fires are the most catastrophic outcomes, less dramatic but equally damaging issues can arise from ignoring yearly inspections, particularly in a region like Southeastern Pennsylvania. The freeze-thaw cycle common to our area is a mortal enemy of masonry chimneys. Water seeps into cracks in bricks and mortar, freezes, expands, and causes the masonry to crumble or flake away. As the structure weakens, it becomes increasingly vulnerable to a potential collapse.

Damaged Chimney Top

Gusty winds can exacerbate existing problems, widening cracks in the crown and potentially dislodging chimney caps or damaging surrounding masonry. Ice dams forming on roofs can also impact chimneys, causing water to back up and seep into the structure, leading to deterioration.

Flue Obstruction

Flue obstructions are another reason for yearly inspections. Nests built by birds and other small animals, along with falling leaves and debris, can obstruct the flue vent. A blocked chimney impedes the venting of smoke and toxic gases, such as carbon monoxide, posing a serious health risk to residents inside the home.

Creosote Buildup

Creosote is a highly flammable residue from burning wood, and it is Pennsylvania’s number one cause of chimney and house fires. Even a small accumulation can ignite, leading to a blaze within the chimney that can spread to the rest of the house. Annual inspections are necessary to minimize the accumulation of this hazardous byproduct of combustion.

Schedule Your Yearly Chimney Inspection Today

Our CSIA-certified chimney sweeps are highly trained individuals with demonstrated knowledge of all chimney, venting, and heating systems. They use their skills to identify potential problems during a thorough visual inspection of the chimney’s interior and exterior masonry, vents, and attached appliances. We can spot early signs of deterioration, measure creosote levels, check for blockages, examine the liner for damage, and ensure all components function correctly. This yearly inspection is significantly less expensive and disruptive than dealing with the tragedy of a devastating chimney fire or structural collapse.

Lehigh Valley Chimney Inspections

For over five decades, Wells & Sons has been the Lehigh Valley’s most trusted provider of chimney and fireplace services. Our CSIA-certified chimney sweeps are dedicated to ensuring the safety and integrity of your chimney system. We offer superior inspections, repairs, installations, and more. As a family-owned and locally operated business, we proudly serve Southeastern Pennsylvania, including communities like Doylestown, Easton, King of Prussia, and Valley Forge. Contact us today to book your annual chimney inspection appointment.