If you purchased a home near Franklin's historic downtown, your fireplace likely needs more than a standard cleaning. We are seeing increased wear in local vintage properties. You should prioritize a professional check of your masonry and flue liner before winter.
Checking Historic Brick and Mortar
As we visit neighborhoods like Leiper's Fork, we often find aging masonry (the bricks and cement) that is worn down by decades of rain. If you own a pre-1970s home, look for white stains or crumbling brick on the chimney. This means water is getting in. Since we are licensed and insured, we can safely check your Franklin chimney for these structural issues. Ignoring these signs can lead to bigger repairs when our winter weather hits.
Inspecting Older Flue Liners
For new owners of vintage homes, the inside of the chimney is often the bigger worry. Many older Franklin properties have clay tile liners that can crack or shift over time. If you smell smoke inside the house when the fire is lit, this is a clear symptom of a liner problem. Do not attempt to burn wood until you read our maintenance guide or call a pro. Safety checks are vital because older systems were not built to today's standards.
Post-Purchase Inspection Steps
General home inspectors often miss the specific requirements of a Chimney Sweep older homes Franklin assessment, leaving new owners with hidden headaches. If you recently bought an older property, do not assume the fireplace is ready. You should specifically request a Level 2 inspection to look for blockages or old nesting left by birds. Connect with Robert Wilson Chimney to request a free estimate and ensure your system is fully clear for the season.