With over 25,000 chimney fires in the US and over $120 million in property damage, doing a DIY job at chimney repairs will not help reduce the numbers.
If you’ve had a fireplace, then there’s a considerable chance you’ve thought of repairing the nooks and cracks with a DIY job. While it might seem like a good idea to save some money, it can be downright dangerous.
Here are a few reasons that make DIY chimney repairs a horrible idea.
You Can Slip and Fall
Many homeowners who try taking a shot at chimney repairs and cleaning on their own, end up falling from their roofs and suffer many injuries. Without the proper equipment and training, it can be perilous to keep yourself safe while cleaning the dangerous soot and creosote buildup.
This is why we recommend trained and experienced professionals for all chimney repair services.
Missing Out on the Basic Structural Issue
A professional charges you for a reason. They don’t just remove buildup from the insides of the chimney but also take a look at the basic structure of your fireplace.
Issues like a cracked flue or issues with the flashing, and a damper that doesn’t work correctly – can be correctly diagnosed by a chimney repair expert.
Lack of Experience
Following the building codes is essential when repairing chimneys. Using the right material that matches the old ones, creating the right mixture of mortar, all these things come with experience.
While you might find a lot of information online, you can’t afford to leave the safety of your chimney, fireplace, and house to chance.
A small mistake could lead to a catastrophe.
Equipment
Conducting some of the chimney repairs can require very specific equipment that are primarily available with professionals. Since this equipment can cost a fortune, splurging so much money on it for a single repair would be silly.
Moreover, even if you buy it, you still won’t have the expertise required to operate such machinery, leading to severe injuries.
A professional’s job is to ensure that the job is done well and good at once. This prevents costly repairs and replacements that might occur if your DIY job goes south and causes further problems. This also means you won’t need to roam around the roof and risk falling and injuring yourself.
While some advanced tasks, such as relining the chimney flues, are a simple way out of the grasp of amateurs, trying a simpler job such as chimney sweeping can lead to combustion if not performed correctly.
For your safety, it’s best to call in chimney repair services, such as CT Chimney Repairs, for a fool-proof job.
Visit their website for more information.
