A DIY chimney inspection is an important activity that you should be engaging in. It allows you to get to know your chimney better as well as your home. By inspecting the fireplace and chimney yourself you can find out if its structure needs repairs or restoration before any damage becomes too prominent. As such, this simple activity can save you a lot of maintenance money. And let’s not forget, DIY chimney inspection can prevent fires or smoke inhalation instances at your home and allows you to feel safe at all times.
The first thing you need to know about DIY chimney inspection is that it should be done at least twice a year if you want to do a thorough job. Also, chimney inspection should be done both on the inside as well as the outside of the structure.
Start by inspecting the exterior. Begin at the very bottom of the chimney, whether it starts at the ground or the roof. Keep an eye out for cracks in brick or mortar, the inclination of the shaft, or if it looks detached from the rest of the home or roof.
Next, make sure the surface of the chimney is clear and there is no debris, no plants climbing the walls, or anything else attached to the walls of the chimney.
Also, check the flashing on the chimney and the crown. Make sure everything is intact.
Once you are done with your exterior DIY chimney inspection, you can start with the interior. It comes as no surprise that the internal part of a chimney is dark, so you need a strong flashlight to illuminate the space. Once you turn the light on, check for any cracks or issues in the masonry.
Next, open the damper and clean any debris that falls on the ground. Do not get shocked if you see plenty of leaves or even bird nests. This is quite common especially if the chimney has not been used in a while.
Make sure the smoker chamber does not have any cracks or holes in it.
If you notice anything out of the ordinary, it is best to call a professional to repair the issue. While DIY chimney inspection is definitely advised, DIY repairs may not be completely safe neither for you nor for the structure of your home.
At RH Renovation NYC we can offer proper chimney cleaning and repair as an extension of your DIY chimney inspection. Contact us and we will provide you with a free quote on the works needed on your home.
