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Finding The Right Pros For Your Chimney Inspection Article
Finding the Right Pros for Your Chimney Inspection
from:Chimney inspections are great for a wide range of reasons. They identify potential problems before they become overwhelming situations. They may clue you in to roofing problems in the area surrounding the chimney. They help you understand the overall health of your chimney. They also provide peace of mind that your chimney is safe to use during the approaching winter months. But, when these inspections are not performed by people that are qualified to them, they can become unmitigated disasters. In other words, you need to go to the pros for this job or your are placing your family and your property at risk.
The very first question you will want to ask of a potential chimney inspector is whether or not he or she is certified for chimney inspection. Dirty and damaged chimneys are not only a risk for fire but also for carbon monoxide poisoning. Hiring unqualified labor to inspect and/or repair your chimney may lead to even bigger problems with your chimney than currently exist. This increases the risk of fire, carbon monoxide poisoning, and other damage as a result of damaged or dirty chimneys.
A qualified chimney inspector will have the proper tools and knowledge to identify potential problem spots—even those that are not exactly visible to the naked eye. He (or she) will also have the knowledge of where to look for many of the hidden areas where dangerous debris and damage often lurk.
You should also ask around about a chimney inspector before deciding that he or she is the one for you. Far too many of these professionals over the years have developed a bad reputation for buy now or high pressure sales tactics that have given the entire profession a bad name. It is a good idea to know about the damage but you need to know that the person you are dealing with is ethical in the repairs that are being suggested. Many people feel that the best way to do this is to use an inspector that doesn't make the repairs him or herself. This way he or she has no vested interest or economic gain in suggesting services that aren't necessary.
There are different types of chimney inspections that you can select from. Finding a service that offers a wide range of inspections is also a great way to go. Some of the more commonly requested inspections include: visual inspections of the chimney, video inspections, and smoke test inspections. If it's been a while since you've had a comprehensive chimney inspection it is a good idea to go with the most thorough inspection the company you are considering offers.
The main things to look for in chimney inspection companies are options, certification, and reputation. When you find all three, you have a winner.