At its basic, a chimney seems like a simple thing—a structure of bricks sticking out of the roof that makes the house look charming. But it’s more complex than that, and some TLC is needed to ensure it performs as it should. If you have a fireplace or wood stove that you use (not just for decoration), you may have heard it mentioned that you need to get annual chimney inspections. But everyone gets busy. Maybe it’s something that’s been sitting on your to-do list that keeps getting pushed down for something more important. Or maybe you think everything seems fine, so why spend the money?

Well, here’s the thing: your chimney works hard behind the scenes, channeling smoke, heat, and dangerous gases up and out of the house. And like anything that works hard, it wears down over time. So, let’s look at why that yearly inspection isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential.

Chimneys Get Dirty, Fast

Every time you use your fireplace, soot, and creosote (that thick, gunky stuff) build up inside the flue. Over time, this layer can become a serious fire hazard. Creosote is highly flammable; if it ignites, you’ve got a chimney fire. And trust us, those are not the cozy kinds.

An annual inspection helps make sure your chimney isn’t a ticking time bomb. If there’s too much buildup, your chimney tech will recommend a thorough cleaning before you fire it up again.

Animals Love Chimneys

Animals might love chimneys, but you’re not going to like what they leave behind. Birds, squirrels, raccoons, and any other critter that can get in—they love to set up shop in chimneys. They see them as warm, safe spaces. Unfortunately, they also leave behind nests, feathers, droppings, and sometimes their remains. All of that can block the flue, causing smoke to back up or a fire.

A chimney inspection can catch these unwanted guests before they become a problem.

Weather Does a Number on Brick and Mortar

Your chimney sits up there 24/7/365, getting bashed by sun, rain, snow, wind, or whatever else Mother Nature has up her sleeve. Over time, the weather can wear down the chimney. Mortar can crack, bricks can loosen, and chimney crowns (the top that keeps the water out) can break. If water gets into the chimney’s structure, it can cause mold, rot, or even structural damage to your home.

During an inspection, a pro will check for cracks, leaks, and other damage so you can get it fixed before it turns into a bigger (and more expensive) issue.

Carbon Monoxide is Invisible—and Dangerous

Blocked flues and damaged liners can cause carbon monoxide to leak into your home instead of venting safely outside. They don’t call it the silent killer for nothing. You can’t see or smell it, but thousands of people present to the ER every year for carbon monoxide poisoning. An annual inspection helps keep the flue clear for proper venting.

Catch Little Problems Before They Get Big

Think of a chimney inspection as a checkup at the doctors. It’s your chance to catch little issues before they escalate into wallet-draining disasters. A cracked flue liner or a bit of water damage might be a quick fix now. But ignore them for a few years? You’re talking about major repairs or maybe a complete chimney rebuild.

So, When Should You Get Your Chimney Inspected?

The best time to schedule a chimney inspection is in the spring or summer—right after the heating season ends. That’s when any issues from the winter (like creosote buildup or weather damage) will still be fresh. Plus, chimney pros aren’t as slammed during the off-season, so it’s easier to get an appointment. Waiting until fall (when everyone suddenly remembers they have a fireplace) could mean long wait times.

That said, if you’re reading this and it’s getting chilly outside, don’t wait. Better late than never. Just make sure you get it done before you start using your fireplace regularly.

Call Keystone now to schedule your chimney inspection, cleaning, or any other service you need.