Chimneys in Pennsylvania get their fair share of use in the winter, and by the time the first green shoots of spring arrive, they have a substantial buildup of soot and creosote that needs to be removed. After a long winter, chimney inspections are needed to ensure that no damage was done by ice, snow, or wear and tear. We provide unmatched chimney sweeping and inspection services in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, to protect your chimney. Here are a few things we can do for your chimney:

Why Get Your Chimney Swept in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania?

You may have never considered hiring a chimney sweep. There are several very good reasons to hire a chimney sweep in Mechanicsburg. The primary reason is the buildup of a tar-like substance called creosote in your chimney. Creosote is a highly combustible residue that is generated every time logs burn in your fireplace, and a thick buildup of creosote will almost certainly lead to a chimney fire. Our chimney sweeps use specialized brushes and cleaning solutions to scrub creosote and soot from inside your chimney.

Another excellent reason to get your chimney swept is the risk of a blockage from debris such as leaves, branches, trash, and moss. It could also be local wildlife building a nest in your flue. A blockage is especially dangerous because carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless gas that can’t be vented. Your chimney must be swept at least once a year to thwart blockages. The ideal time of year is summer, when demand for chimney sweeping is lower, but it should be done no later than fall to address any potential issues. Waiting until winter arrives makes scheduling much harder.

Chimney Inspections in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania

If your Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, chimney isn’t inspected at least annually, you’ll eventually have issues. What kind of issues? Several could be developing in your chimney right now, and you won’t realize until it’s too late without a thorough inspection. Here are some chimney problems that could occur without your knowledge.

Water Damage

If you see a white powder on the outside of your chimney, that is a phenomenon known as efflorescence. It happens when salt reaches the surface of a brick in your chimney because it has taken on a sponge-like property, allowing water to freeze and thaw inside it repeatedly. Only a qualified chimney sweep should inspect it to assess its seriousness.

A Damaged Chimney Liner

If there is one issue that the average Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, homeowner won’t notice, it’s perforations in their chimney’s liner. It requires specialized video equipment inserted into a chimney to find and identify damage to the liner. If left unaddressed, a damaged chimney liner can allow heat to escape, potentially start a house fire, or allow carbon monoxide to enter your home.

A Damaged Chimney Crown

A crack in your chimney’s crown isn’t going to be easily seen from below. Unless you habitually clean your roof, it’s doubtful you will notice the fissure in your chimney’s crown. This issue will speed up top-down water damage. It’s probable that your chimney will crumble, and your firebox will rust.

Let us Sweep and Inspect Your Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, Chimney

Perhaps you understand the importance of having your chimney in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, inspected and swept. At Andersons, we have expert knowledge to inspect and sweep chimneys. Contact us if you live in Mechanicsburg, PA, York, PA, Harrisburg, PA, Lebanon, PA, Carlisle, PA, Camp Hill, PA, or Hershey, PA, and suspect you have chimney damage. One of our chimney experts will gladly discuss having your chimney swept and inspected. Don’t wait for real chimney damage; reach out today!