Hansen & Sons: Chimney Inspection Services in McFarland, WI

At Hansen & Sons, we’re proud to offer trusted chimney inspection services to homeowners in McFarland, WI and the surrounding areas. Living here means dealing with cold winters, humid summers, and frequent freeze/thaw cycles that can all take a toll on your chimney. That’s why our certified technicians take every inspection seriously, checking for structural issues, moisture damage, and hidden hazards that could compromise your system’s performance or safety.

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How Often Should Chimneys Be Inspected?

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends that every chimney, whether used frequently or only occasionally, be inspected at least once a year. Regular inspections are one of the simplest ways to protect your home from hidden dangers like creosote buildup, flue blockages, and structural damage.

In a community like McFarland, where long, cold winters make fireplaces a vital part of home comfort, these inspections are especially important. Freezing temperatures, snow, and moisture can take a toll on chimney systems even during the months you’re not burning a fire.

Here’s why annual inspections matter:

Catch Problems Early: Even small cracks, loose mortar joints, or worn components can lead to costly repairs if left unchecked. Inspections help spot these issues before they grow.
Ensure Safer Operation: A clear and properly functioning flue allows smoke and gases to vent safely, reducing the risk of carbon monoxide exposure or chimney fires.
Protect Against Moisture & Animal Intrusion: Even an unused chimney can develop leaks, collect debris, or become home to birds and other wildlife, all of which can cause blockages and damage.
Maintain Long-Term Performance: Regular care keeps your chimney system efficient and strong, so it’s ready to perform safely when cold weather returns.

Whether you use your fireplace daily or rarely, an annual inspection gives you peace of mind that your system is safer, cleaner, and more structurally sound.

Original infographic features a dark blue background with white and light gray text explaining chimney inspection frequency. The title at the top reads “How Often Should Chimneys Be Inspected?” in bold capital letters. Below, a light beige box contains text stating that the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends annual inspections. A paragraph in smaller text describes how McFarland’s cold winters and moisture can affect chimney systems. Five blue horizontal sections follow, each with a white icon and bold heading: a magnifying glass for “Catch Problems Early,” a fire on bricks for “Ensure Safer Operation,” a water droplet on bricks for “Protect Against Moisture,” a raccoon face for “Avoid Animal Intrusion,” and a chimney with a checkmark for “Maintain Long-Term Performance.” The design uses shades of navy (#143E83, #0D306B) with clean, modern typography for readability.<br />

Why Schedule a Chimney Inspection?

Regular chimney inspections aren’t just about maintenance, they’re about prevention. A professional inspection helps us catch small problems before they turn into expensive repairs. During an inspection, we’ll look for:

Cracked or deteriorating mortar joints that could allow water infiltration
Creosote buildup that can lead to chimney fires
Damage from animals, storms, or nesting debris
Rust, staining, or other signs of hidden leaks
Liner damage or blockages affecting draft performance

We follow NFPA 211 standards, offering Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 inspections depending on your needs. Whether you’re preparing for winter, buying or selling a home, or recovering from a storm, we’ll make sure your chimney is in reliable working order.

About McFarland, WI: We Love Serving This Community

McFarland is a close-knit community just southeast of Madison, known for its beautiful lakeside views, excellent schools, and welcoming small-town atmosphere. Residents love the nearby Lake Waubesa, McDaniel Park, and CamRock County Park, where hiking, kayaking, and picnicking are favorite pastimes. With its blend of peaceful neighborhoods and easy access to city amenities, McFarland is a wonderful place to call home. We’re proud to help keep its homes safer and more comfortable through our chimney services.

What Can Damage a Chimney Over Time?

In McFarland’s climate, moisture is the biggest threat to your chimney’s lifespan. Rain, snow, and freezing temperatures can cause bricks to crack, mortar joints to crumble, and metal components to rust. When water seeps in, it expands during freezing weather, worsening the damage each season. Even minor cracks can quickly spread, allowing more moisture in and increasing the risk of structural instability or interior leaks. That’s why catching early warning signs, like efflorescence, rust stains, or spalling bricks, is so important.

What Happens During a Hansen & Sons Chimney Inspection?

When you schedule a chimney inspection with Hansen & Sons, our team takes a thorough, step-by-step approach to ensure your system is safe and efficient. We don’t just glance at your chimney… We examine it with precision tools and trained eyes to catch even the smallest issues before they grow into expensive problems.

Here’s what you can expect during your inspection:

Exterior & Interior Visual Check: Our technicians begin with a detailed evaluation of the chimney’s exterior masonry, flashing, cap, and crown. Inside, we check the firebox, damper, smoke chamber, and flue for visible signs of wear, damage, or blockages.
Camera Inspection: For areas that can’t be seen with the naked eye, we use specialized chimney cameras. These allow us to identify cracks, gaps, decay, or obstructions deep inside the flue — ensuring nothing goes unnoticed.
Draft & Airflow Testing: A properly functioning chimney must draw air effectively. If needed, we perform a draft test to measure airflow and detect potential problems with ventilation or backdrafting.
Moisture Detection: Moisture is a chimney’s biggest enemy. We use moisture meters to scan for hidden leaks or water infiltration behind the masonry (something that often goes undetected until damage becomes severe).
Comprehensive Report: Every inspection ends with a clear, written report. We include high-resolution photos, a summary of our findings, and expert recommendations for any repairs or maintenance your chimney may need.

Can Harsh Weather or High Winds Damage My Chimney?

Yes, your chimney is constantly exposed to the elements, and weather events can take a real toll on its structure and performance. Even a single strong storm can create problems that aren’t visible right away but worsen over time.

Common types of weather-related chimney damage include:

Loose Flashing: Wind-driven rain or snow can weaken or loosen the flashing where the chimney meets the roof, allowing water to seep in.
Dislodged Chimney Caps: Strong gusts can shift or completely dislodge chimney caps, leaving the flue vulnerable to rain, snow, and animal entry.
Crown & Mortar Damage: High winds and temperature swings can crack chimney crowns and mortar joints. Once compromised, these areas let in water that freezes, expands, and worsens the damage.
Structural Shifting: In older chimneys, repeated exposure to severe storms can cause leaning, cracking, or deterioration of the masonry structure itself.

After high winds or major weather events, it’s smart to schedule a chimney inspection. Catching small problems early helps prevent leaks, costly structural repairs, or even safety hazards inside your home.

Schedule Your Chimney Inspection in McFarland, WI

Whether you’re noticing signs of damage, preparing for winter, or just staying proactive, Hansen & Sons is your local expert for thorough chimney inspections in McFarland. We treat every home as if it were our own, using advanced tools and time-tested techniques to ensure your system is as reliable as possible.

Call Hansen & Sons today to schedule your chimney inspection or to learn more about our full range of chimney and fireplace services. Your comfort and safety start with a properly maintained chimney.