Before Buying a Home with a Chimney, Know This!

It is exciting to buy a home, especially one with a fireplace. Do not sign on the dotted line, however, until you have taken a few important steps that could prevent you from making a mistake. A common error homebuyers make is assuming that the work of the home inspector provides assurance about the condition of the chimney. That is not the case! In fact, a close inspection of chimneys is not the responsibility of the home inspector. The following are some things you should know and do before buying a home with a fireplace.

Schedule a Chimney Inspection

When you have a chimney inspection done, you find out from a professional the condition your chimney is in. There are three levels of inspections, and a Level 2 inspection is the correct one to request as a homebuyer.

Level 2 Inspection

Instead of merely eyeballing your chimney, as a home inspector might do, a chimney specialist will look carefully at the venting system from top to bottom. This includes a check on the condition of the following chimney components and more:

• Smoke chamber
• Firebox
• Mortar joints
• Masonry
• Chimney crown
• Damper
• Any known defects in the chimney structure

In addition to the above, which is included in a Level 1 chimney inspection, chimney professionals do a more in-depth look at the chimney system in its entirety. This includes the use of a video camera specialized to inspect the chimney flue from one end to the other. As a result of a Level 2 inspection, you will have the confidence you need to either request repairs before purchasing the home or buy the house and start enjoying your new home base.

Chimney Cleaning May be Needed

If the chimney in the home you hope to buy is dirty and clogged with a thick layer of creosote, it is important to schedule chimney cleaning. A video camera inspection cannot be effective if the flue walls are obscured by creosote buildup. Not only that but it is risky to use a fireplace when the chimney is packed with highly flammable creosote. So many things could go wrong! In fact, every year many house fires result from individuals lighting fires in fireplaces when they had no clue of the chimney’s condition. A neglected chimney is usually a dangerous chimney.

Chimney Systems Need Maintenance

People who get a house with a pool typically realize that there is a lot of ongoing maintenance ahead to keep the pool in safe condition for swimming. Unfortunately, homeowners are often not aware that the same concept is basically true of chimneys.  Although on a far less frequent scale, chimney maintenance is needed and is an important safety issue.

Equip Your Home for Fireplace and Chimney Safety

If you are fortunate enough to buy the home you want that has a fireplace, be prepared to take vital steps in fire safety. A fire extinguisher should be in a nearby room and on the same level as the fireplace.

Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors should be installed in the recommended places, to ensure the safety of your home and family.

Call Dubuque Fireplace & Heating for a Level 2 inspection as well as your ongoing chimney maintenance, which typically involves a chimney inspection and chimney cleaning annually as well as chimney repairs when needed. Details to reach us at Dubuque Fireplace & Heating follow. Contact us today!

Dubuque Fireplace & Patio
925 Century Drive, Dubuque, Iowa
Phone – (563) 582-5156

Chimney Specialists Inc.
869 Main Street, Highland, WI
Phone – (608) 929-4887 / Toll Free (800) 395-6660