Vermont Chimney Inspection Services: Hire Our Certified Sweeps for Your Annual Service

In need of chimney inspection and sweeping services near you? Here at Rutland Chimney, we pride ourselves on treating our customers in Rutland, Killington, Pittsford, and more like family. That means no upselling products you don’t need and never recommending extra fireplace services just to gain a profit. So, trust us when we say that, when it comes to the safety and comfort of your Rutland home, regular chimney inspections are non-negotiable.

Whether you’re preparing for the cooler fall weather or just ending your winter burn season, our experts can perform a thorough overview to ensure your fireplace remains safer for use – whenever you need it. Don’t leave anything to chance. Give us a call or reach out online today.

Why Do I Need To Have My Chimney Inspected?

A great question – one we get a lot and that we’re happy to answer. It mostly comes down to three things: safety, efficiency, and code compliance.

Safety

If you burn wood in your fireplace, a substance called creosote is going to form on your interior chimney walls – it’s inevitable. Unfortunately, creosote is highly flammable, so it needs to be removed regularly. Inspections allow us to see how significant your buildup is and then address it right away, so that you don’t face any risks.

Inspection Camera in front of chimney with tech programming computer - Stock image - Rutland Chimney

In addition, debris, animal nests, or other obstructions can block the chimney, leading to poor ventilation, and increasing the risk of smoke or carbon monoxide entering your home and affecting air quality. We need to ensure your chimney is clear and can allow harmful gases to exit your home.

And then there’s things like cracks, leaks, or other signs of wear that could lead to serious structural problems. Structural problems make your entire household more vulnerable and will only worsen with time if not promptly addressed.

Efficiency

Lots can happen to a chimney and fireplace over the course of a year. Moisture can seep into the structure, causing rust, weakening the masonry, and leading to potential collapses… Components can corrode, come loose, or go missing… Cracks can start to form throughout the masonry or chimney liner…

Any damage your system is experiencing can impact how efficiently your fireplace runs as a whole. Chimneys are complex structures with lots of parts, and they all need to be able to work together to keep things running as they should. The sooner we can spot any imperfections, the more heat you’ll get when cooler temps come back around.

Not to mention, when it comes to chimney and fireplace damages, early detection is a must for preventing costly repairs – or even the need for a complete chimney rebuild. Regular inspections are a lot better on your bank account.

Code Compliance

Chimney inspections can help make sure you’re adhering to appropriate clearances and fire safety codes – both of which are critical to the safety and legality of your home. During an inspection, professionals check that your chimney adheres to local building codes, as well as verify that the chimney’s construction, materials, and installation meet needed safety standards. Ensuring compliance with local building codes is also essential, particularly if you plan to sell your home.

All in all, knowing that a professional has thoroughly inspected your chimney provides peace of mind, allowing you to enjoy your fireplace without worrying about hidden dangers. By prioritizing regular chimney inspections, you’re protecting your home, your loved ones, and your investment. It’s a small step that can prevent major problems down the line.

Book with us today.

Do Chimney Inspections Help With Homeowner Insurance Matters?

Absolutely. In fact, many insurance companies require regular chimney inspections to maintain coverage – particularly if the property has a fireplace or wood stove. These inspections help ensure that the chimney is safe and in good working condition, reducing the risk of fires or carbon monoxide poisoning.

In addition, if you ever need to file a claim for fire damage or other issues related to the chimney, having documentation of regular inspections can strengthen your case and possibly prevent a claim from being denied. The insurance company needs to know that nothing about the damage was due to negligence on your part – even if you’ve just experienced a big storm.

Some insurance companies may even offer discounts for homeowners who keep up with regular chimney maintenance, as it lowers the risk of costly damage to the home. So, it’s not just about safety – it’s also about ensuring your home remains protected and your insurance coverage stays intact.

How Often (& When) Should I Book My Chimney Inspection?

You should book a chimney inspection at least once a year – and aim to have it done before the start of the burning season (which is usually when temps start to drop in the fall). This will ensure your chimney is clear of obstruction and safe to use when you need it most.

But don’t just take our word for it… Annual inspections are recommended by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to prevent the buildup of creosote, identify structural issues, and ensure proper ventilation.

So, one inspection per year is the standard. Got it. Now…when should this maintenance be scheduled?

Red ceramic brick chimney - stock image with blue sky in background - Rutland Chimney

If you took a random poll, most would say that chimney inspections should be done in the fall, when temps drop, so that your system is deemed ready for use right before you start needing to use it. Here’s the problem, though – everyone tends to have the same idea at once. This leads to full schedule books on our end…and lots of delays on the end of the customers we serve.

To avoid scheduling conflicts and ensure your fireplace is ready when you need it, consider booking your inspection in the spring or summer months.

One more note: In addition to your yearly inspection, you should also book an inspection:

  • after any significant weather events, such as storms or earthquakes
  • after long periods of heavy use
  • if you’ve recently purchased a home with a chimney (or sold one)
  • if you’ve made any changes to your fireplace or heating system

I Rarely Use My Fireplace…Do I Still Need Annual Inspections?

Absolutely! Here’s why:

  • Your structure can still break down. Over time, weather and age will cause wear and tear on your chimney – whether you use it or not – which can be hazardous. In addition, water can seep into the chimney structure, causing rust, masonry damage, and mold growth. Regular inspections help catch any issues early.
  • Animals may favor out-of-use chimneys for nests. Birds, squirrels, or other animals could deem your strong and un-smoky chimney as the perfect spot for building nests and raising young. Regardless of whether you use your chimney or not, you don’t want animals in it!
  • Your insurance may require it. If a storm or natural disaster occurs and damages your chimney, your insurance may need proof that annual inspections were completed – otherwise it’s hard to know whether it was, in fact, the storm that caused the damage or if it was neglect on your part.
  • It helps maintain home value. Even if you never used your fireplace, it doesn’t mean the next person who owns your home won’t either. And if someone has a fireplace on their dream home checklist, they’ll want it to be in tip-top shape – regular inspections ensure just that.

Most importantly, you want your system to run safely and efficiently whenever you decide to use it – even if that isn’t very often. You might decide to fire things up during a cold snap or maybe just to set the mood for a cozy evening in. Regardless, an annual inspection ensures that the chimney is ready to use – safely – at any time.

Do Gas Fireplaces Need Annual Inspections?

Yes, all fireplaces need annual inspections, no matter the fuel used. Gas fireplaces are generally lower maintenance and burn very cleanly, but issues can still come up that might make them unsafe for use.

For instance, gas fireplaces can cause carbon monoxide to enter your home if they can’t vent properly. An annual inspection ensures that the venting system is free of any nesting materials and not facing any blockages.

Checking gas connections is also important, as these can develop leaks, and the inspector can ensure that everything is operating as efficiently as possible – giving you that strong heat output you’ve come to expect from your gas-fueled heating system.

Oh – and remember that some manufacturers require annual inspections as part of their warranty terms.

How Should I Prepare My Home Before a Chimney Inspection?

Here’s what we recommend to ensure we can get straight to work – and that your home stays safer.

  • Stop using your fireplace. Your fireplace should be out of use for at least 24 hours before an inspector comes to look things over. This ensures a much lower risk of burns or injuries to our workers.
  • Clear the fireplace area. Move any furniture, rugs, or decorative items away from the fireplace and hearth. This allows easy access while reducing the risk of any items getting dirty or damaged.
  • Remove any ashes, wood pieces, etc. If possible, clean out any ashes, logs, or debris from the fireplace’s firebox. This allows our techs to see the inside of the firebox more clearly.
  • Make sure there’s easy access to the chimney. The chimney sweep will want to check the outside of the chimney and maybe even parts that run through attics or crawl spaces (if applicable), so ensure easy pathways to these areas.
  • Be ready with questions. If you’ve noticed any specific issues with your fireplace or chimney, feel free to bring these up. Or, if questions come up along the way, please ask! We’re here to keep you informed and educated.

Choose Rutland for Your Chimney & Fireplace Services

A well-maintained chimney is the cornerstone of a safer and warmer home. By choosing Rutland Chimney, you’re not only protecting your property, but also investing in that peace of mind you and your household deserve when enjoying a fire.

Our certified sweeps are here to provide you with the highest level of service, ensuring your chimney is ready to serve you safely and efficiently. Schedule your next inspection today – we’d love to serve you soon.

If the chimney service you need is chimney relining, no problem! We’ve got you covered with results you can rely on.