Skip to content

Schedule Services with the Chimney Pros

Our family-owned and operated business has been serving the greater Houston area for over 25 years.
Call us today or fill out the form and we will call you to get started!


Chimney Sweeps In Clear Lake

4 Things a Reputable Harris County Chimney Specialist Will Look for During an Inspection

Are you due for a routine chimney cleaning and you’re looking for a reliable Clear Lake, TX chimney sweep? Is your chimney showing signs of damage and you need to schedule an appointment for an emergency inspection and repair? Whatever the case may be, if you’re seeking the services of a reputable chimney specialist, you’ve come to the right place! Master Services is a locally owned and operated, fully licensed and insured chimney care company that has been serving the Harris County community for more than 20 years. Our team of professionally trained, highly experienced technicians are experts in their field and employ the most advanced techniques and state-of-the-art technologies to deliver outstanding results. For the best chimney specialist in Harris County, look no further than Master Services!

4 Things Expert Harris County Chimney Specialists Look for During a Chimney Inspection

It’s a known fact that in order to ensure the safety and efficiency of your fireplace, routine chimney inspections are essential. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) states that chimneys should be inspected and cleaned by a professional chimney specialist at least once a year. During annual inspections, underlying issues can be detected and corrected before they become major problems, which will not only save you a great deal of money but more importantly, will ensure the safety of your family and your Harris County home.

If you’ve never had a chimney inspection before, you might be wondering what a chimney specialist will look for. Below are four of the key things that a reputable Clear Lake, TX chimney sweep will check for during an inspection.

Creosote Buildup

As wood burns, the smoke that it produces condenses and creates a substance known as creosote, which accumulates on the walls of the flue as the smoke exhausts through the chimney. There are three stages of creosote buildup:

  • Stage 1. First, creosote is primarily comprised of soot and creates a loose, flaky deposit that can be wiped away.
  • Stage 2. During this stage, it turns into a thicker, stickier film that’s similar to tar, and requires specialized tools to remove.
  • Stage 3. Finally, the substance hardens and when it’s exposed to extreme temperatures, similar to candlewax, it can start dripping down the walls of the flue. Removing it also requires specialized tools, as well as cleansers.

In all forms, creosote is highly flammable. In fact, in the United States, creosote buildup is the leading cause of chimney fires. In order to ensure your safety and reduce the risk of fire, during a chimney inspection, a reputable Clear Lake, TX chimney sweep will check for and remove creosote buildup from the flue.

Structural Damage

There are a number of reasons why chimneys can sustain structural damage; constant exposure to the elements, regular use, ground shifting, moisture penetration, and poor-quality construction are just a few. Whatever the cause, if the structural integrity of a chimney is compromised, a number of problems can arise. Further and more severe damage, increased risk of fires, obstructions in the chimney, and reduced airflow are some of the issues that could occur. In extreme situations, if the chimney is so weakened and compromised, the entire structure could collapse. Given the numerous issues that can occur as a result of structural damage, during an inspection, a reputable chimney specialist will check for any signs of trouble. A Clear Lake, TX chimney sweep will conduct a thorough assessment of all elements of the structure to check for signs of wear and tear, cracks or missing mortar, damage to the chimney cap, and shifting, for instance. If any issues are detected, your Harris County chimney specialist will let you know and will recommend the repairs that will be needed to correct the problem. Depending on the services the specialist provides and the extent of the damage, your chimney specialist may be able to make the necessary repairs.

Moisture Damage

In addition to structural damage, a certified Clear Lake, TX chimney sweep will also check for any signs of moisture damage. Moisture is a chimney’s worst enemy. It can weaken and degrade the masonry, which could eventually cause mold growth, and ultimately, there’s a chance that it could cause the entire structure to collapse. A credible Harris County chimney specialist will conduct an extensive assessment to check for any signs of moisture penetration, and if any signs of trouble are spotted, they’ll determine the cause of the water intrusion and will let you know what needs to be done to correct the problem. Again, depending on the specific services the company offers, they may be able to make the repairs.

Blockages

In order to function properly, your Harris County chimney needs to be free of obstructions. Blockages can cause several problems. The toxic fumes that fire produces, such as carbon monoxide, won’t be able to pass through the chimney, and instead of exhausting, it could collect inside your home, which could ultimately lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Blockages can also reduce the efficiency of the fires in your firebox and increase the amount of smoke they generate. Additionally, obstructions can increase the risk of chimney fires, as whatever is blocking the chimney could be flammable or excess heat buildup could spread out through the flue and ignite the building materials in the walls that surround the chimney, such as drywall, lumber, and insulation. A trustworthy chimney specialist will check for any signs of blockages, such as outdoor elements (leaves, sticks, acorns, etc.), animals and their nests (raccoons, squirrels, birds, bats, etc.), and excessive amounts of creosote.

For Thorough Chimney Inspections, Contact Harris County’s Leading Chimney Specialist

To ensure you receive the most thorough chimney inspection, contact the most trusted Clear Lake, TX chimney sweeps: Master Services. To find out more about the services we offer or to schedule an appointment, call 713-723-4854 or visit https://mastersservices.com today!

← Previous Service Location Next Service Location →

Call Now