Chimney Inspection Found Damage
Chimneys are often forgotten about high up on the roof. So finding out the chimney is in bad shape is oftentimes a surprise to the seller. Read on to find out more about chimneys and chimney inspection.
Chimney Components
Chimneys are used to exhaust combustion gases safely out of the home. The most common chimney is the masonry chimney consisting of brick, stone, or block. The masonry chimney pictured above is typical for many homes. Bricks make up the overall structure of the chimney and inside of the chimney is a flue. Also, the top of the chimney brick is a concrete crown or wash. This crown helps to keep water from entering into the inside of the chimney structure. In addition, the crown should slope away from the flue and project out past the brick to form a drip edge. In reality, most chimneys when built many years ago did not have these design features or poor material was used. Above all, the condition in the above photo is beyond simple repair and will most likely need significant work.
Chimney Safety Institute of America
The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) is a fantastic resource for homeowners. The institute helps make the public aware about the dangers of chimney fires and other chimney related issues. It is recommended that a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep evaluate your chimney every year or two depending on usage. Therefore, you can limit the chance of a severe structural fire and help the chimney perform better. You can click this link so you can learn more about the CSIA.
Chimney Inspection Home Inspection
In conclusion, your home inspector completes a chimney inspection as part of the Illinois Standards of Practice. Lask Inspection Group, LLC in Rockford, IL is experienced in chimney defect recognition. So we encourage you to contact us 815-978-7785 regarding your next home purchase so you don’t find out later you need a new chimney. However, know that chimneys that are used regularly should be inspected annually for safety and performance. We work in areas other than just Rockford, IL. We serve Rockford, IL and other Illinois cities such as Loves Park, Machesney Park, Chicago, Naperville, Aurora, Geneva, Dekalb, Sycamore, Elgin, Lake Zurich, Arlington Heights, Crystal Lake, and other Chicago suburbs.
