As a real estate agent, you are a great resource for every one of the buyers and sellers that you work with. The more that you understand about the houses that you are seeing every day, the easier it will be for you to provide everyone with an excellent experience. Here are some of the chimney terms that every real estate agent should familiarize themselves with.

Inside the Chimney

• Chimney Liner: The chimney liner sits inside the chimney, and it can be made of metal or tiles. This is a key piece of the chimney, as it helps keep all of the byproducts of combustion inside. Chimney liner issues are common, and repairs must be made in order to ensure the safety of everyone.
• Chimney Damper: The damper sits inside of the chimney, and it helps to control how much air or smoke can get out (or in).
• Flue: The flue is the passage inside the chimney that moves combustion byproducts and gas to the outside of the house. Flues are lined with a flue liner.

Chimney Safety

• Ash: The white or grey residue that is left behind after something combustible, like wood or coal, was burned.
• Carbon Monoxide: This gas is extremely dangerous, and it is part of why regular chimney inspections and cleanings are so important. Carbon monoxide is tasteless, odorless, and colorless, so it is virtually impossible to detect without a carbon monoxide detector. This gas can accumulate in the home if the chimney is not cleaned and the smoke is not able to flow out properly.
• Chimney Cleaning: During a chimney cleaning, a professional will remove creosote, debris, and soot from the inside of the chimney. Removing creosote regularly dramatically reduces the risk of fire, as creosote is extremely flammable. In order to properly maintain a chimney, it should be inspected and cleaned at least once a year. Chimney cleaning and inspection should also take place before selling a home.

Outside of the Chimney

• Chimney Cap: The chimney cap sits on the very top of the chimney on the outside. It is designed to help keep wildlife, rain, snow, and anything else from entering the chimney. This helps reduce the risk of anyone building a nest inside of the chimney or moisture entering when you aren’t aware.
• Chimney Crown: The crown of the chimney helps water to go away from the liner and stops the masonry from being exposed to too much water. Crowns are usually made of concrete.

Help Your Clients Sell for As Much As Possible

Call Clean Sweep Maryland today at 410-558-1111 for professional chimney sweep, slate roofing and duct cleaning services designed to keep all your listed properties clean and safe for sellers and buyers. If you have a prospective home buyer or home seller in need of chimney inspection or repairs, we are here to help.