Your chimney is constructed of various parts, each responsible for handling a specific task. If a particular part is in need of repair you will need to get it fixed immediately. There is no good reason to risk running into serious problems such as a fire or exposure to harmful gasses.
One of the main parts you will need to keep in working condition is the chimney's flue. It is responsible for allowing gasses, smoke, and heat to escape the chimney and out into the environment. It is common for flues to become blocked over time. When this happens smoke will start backing up into your living room. In addition to the smoke, there will also be hazardous gasses you definitely do not want your family to breathe in. One of the most harmful gasses is carbon monoxide. If the flue is seriously blocked and you keep using the fireplace, CO levels can rise dramatically and be lethal. Humans are prone to suffering headaches, nausea, dizziness, and other symptoms when lower levels of carbon monoxide are present. The flue can become blocked for various reasons. In most cases it is mainly because soot or debris has accumulated. Sometimes birds will infiltrate and build a nest which will block the flue. No matter what the cause, it is important to get the problem fixed immediately for the health of you and your family. If you have a masonry chimney there is the risk the mortar will eventually break down allowing cracks to develop. If that happens, you will have problems with dampness in the interior of your home. If the problem is left alone the moisture will only spread and lead to more expensive repairs. If the masonry of your chimney starts deteriorating you may notice pieces of debris falling. It could be sand, tar, brick, or mortar. If you notice anything falling, call a professional to come check out the problem. Many homeowners realise the benefits of installing a chimney cap. It helps keep fires from starting on the roof or lawn. It also helps keep birds and other pests from entering the chimney. It is best for you to ensure a new chimney cap is installed and sized correctly so it does its job correctly. As you can see, there are various parts of your chimney you will need to keep a check on. If any of these parts need repair, then have it done as soon as possible. There are many different problems that can occur if you procrastinate with repairs.
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If you have a fireplace, then it is important for you to have your chimney inspected periodically. It is best to have it done at least once every year. There are many different reasons you should have this done. Keep reading to learn about some of them.
First, you should know that creosote can build up in your chimney. If it accumulates too much, then it can cause a wide range of problems. Your chimney may catch on fire and the fire can quickly spread to other areas of your home. No homeowner wants this to happen of course. This is not the only problem creosote buildup can cause. Carbon monoxide is produced whenever you are burning a fire. The chimney allows it to escape from your home, but the buildup can keep this from happening. The carbon monoxide would then start accumulating in your home. This is very dangerous since you cannot see or smell this gas and it is very deadly. You should also know that obstructions can occur in your chimney. These obstructions can keep it from doing its job properly. Birds commonly build their nests in these locations. Other pests can also cause obstructions. Having your chimney inspected is a good way to find these obstructions before they cause any problems. Various parts of your chimney structure can also break down over time. Some of these components include the damper, liner, or cap. The masonry of the structure may also become damaged. You will want them fixed as soon as possible because they can cause serious problems. One particular area of interest is your chimney flashing. This is responsible for providing a seal between your roof and chimney. You want it to do its job properly or rain and melting snow will be allowed to penetrate your home. A routine inspection would help keep this from happening. One of the final reasons to have routine chimney inspections is because it will help to ensure your fireplace is operating at maximum efficiency. You do not want the chimney to draft air out of your home improperly either. This could cause smoke to accumulate in your home. As you can see, there are plenty of reasons you should have routine chimney inspections. You do not want creosote buildup to cause a chimney fire which can spread to other areas of your home do you? Carbon monoxide entering the living areas of your house as the result of improper ventilation is another major issue you do not want to occur. Get your chimney inspected for these issues and more! |
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