Congratulations on finding your new home!
As you know, every home needs a thorough inspection before you sign on the dotted line. And just like the roof, sewer, and pest inspections, the chimney needs to be inspected for any hidden flaws and potentially costly repairs. This is called a Level 2 Inspection, which is mandatory when a house is being sold, and requires the services of a professional chimney sweep.
As the buyer, we recommend you hire your own chimney sweep to do an inspection. Even if the seller has already done so, it never hurts to have two sets of eyes on such an important part of your new home!
Some of the things they will check for:
Creosote Buildup
If there is a lot of creosote buildup, and it is clear the chimney hasn’t been swept in awhile, the inspector will recommend a sweeping before the first fire of the season. Creosote can cause chimney fires, which can easily lead to house fires. Protect your new home!
Damage
Inside or out. Any cracks, loose bricks, missing tiles, mold, evidence of moisture and leaking, all of these should be fixed right away. The chimney needs to be intact to function properly. Also, the chimney is attached to the house! Its structural integrity affects the structural integrity of the house itself.
Chimney Cap
The chimney should have a chimney cap with a screen to prevent birds and animals from getting inside. It should also be equipped with a spark arrestor to prevent any floating embers from getting outside, where they can start a fire. Don’t overlook this essential part of the chimney!
Any necessary cleaning, repairs, or replacement parts should be figured in to the sale price, just as they would as the result of any other inspection.
The fireplace is a very desirable part of a new home. Lucky you. Make sure you get what you are paying for!
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Portland Chimney Repair – Service Area
Located right here in Oregon, our Portland chimney sweep technicians provide the best in chimney repair, fireplace installation and dryer vent care in the Greater Portland-Metro area. From NE Portland down to SE Portland, Tualatin and Oregon City in the south, from Pleasant Valley in the east to Beaverton and Sherwood in the west – when it comes to your chimney, fireplace and vents, we hope you’ll call American Chimney & Masonry! We are the most trusted Portland Chimney Repair company!
Ready To Make A Chimney Sweep Appointment?
To schedule an appointment with one of our expert chimney repair technicians, please call 503-644-0393. With over 19,000 satisfied customers since 1989, we are ready for more! We look forward to visiting with you soon about your fireplace and chimney sweep needs.