Buying a new house is an exciting time. Buyers are usually looking for certain features in a home like a newly remodeled kitchen, hardwood flooring, a large master suite and more. Some buyers look for a wood burning stove or fireplace in their prospective homes. Nothing gives you a cozier warmth than a wood burning fireplace. A&A Chimney Contractors is here to talk about some of the considerations you need to keep in mind when you are looking for a home that has a wood burning fireplace and chimney.
Are Chimney Inspections Necessary?
A home inspection is nothing new when you are getting ready to purchase a home. However, a regular home inspector will not have the knowledge and training needed to perform a thorough inspection of a wood burning chimney. The fireplace needs to be inspected as well as portions of the chimney. These areas are accessible via the attic, crawlspace, and attic. A chimney inspection usually includes a special camera that checks the chimney for any blockages and checks the chimney flue condition. The inspection will give you peace of mind in knowing that the fireplace is safe to use and has been constructed properly.
Does a Chimney Need Cleaning & Maintenance?
Dirty chimneys are often the culprit of destructive house fires. Whenever you have a fire in your fireplace, the smoke that moves up the chimney leaves behind a residue. This needs to be removed or it turns into a sticky substance called creosote. Creosote is incredibly flammable and is the source of many chimney fires. When you have regular chimney cleaning and maintenance performed by professionals, you can avoid this from happening and save yourself from a house fire. It may be tempting to try and clean your chimney on your own, but this requires specialized tools to get the job done. It’s better left up to the pros.
Use a Wood Burning Fireplace?
There is a lot more to using a wood burning fireplace than simply starting a fire and walking away. You need to have a good understanding of the type of wood that is safe to burn, how often it needs to be cleaned and how to use that specific chimney. If there isn’t a manual left behind by the owner, a chimney sweep can help you understand this new appliance that you have and how to safely use it. You will also need to equip your home with supplies needed for a wood burning fireplace. Make sure the house has smoke detectors located throughout it. You should also consider getting a fire extinguisher as well.
Chimney Cleaning, Sweeping, Inspections, Repair & More in Hackensack, Paterson, Newark, Jersey City, Parsippany-Troy Hills Township, Vernon, Franklin Township, Edison & Greater Cliffside Park, NJ
If you have purchased or are in the process of purchasing a home that has a wood burning fireplace, you can trust the chimney specialists at A&A Chimney Contractors to handle your chimney inspections as well as any cleaning or maintenance that you will surely need. Call us today!
