To have the desirable warmth inside your home, having a fireplace is ideal. For the safety of your family, you must get professional fireplace chimney repair services in Connecticut or any other location. It’s important to have your fireplace serviced whenever you notice any problem. Learn some of the common issues you could encounter.
1. Creosote
You use wood in the fireplace to get the needed heat inside the house. While the wood is burning, smoke is produced that goes up the chimney. Over time, another layer forms on the chimney lining every time you burn timber. It’s called creosote, the tar that appears dark brown or black. There will also be a soot build-up, which is a fine carbon powder.
Risk: The by-product of burning wood makes the chimney filthy. Creosote can avert proper escaping of excess heat from your chimney system; the worst-case scenario is that the fumes go indoors. The smoke coming from burning timber contains carbon monoxide, which is not visible to the human eyes and doesn’t have a smell. It becomes deadly when human inhales large amounts of carbon monoxide.
What you need to do: A thick layer of creosote all around the chimney lining can cause fire and damage to your property. Have regular chimney clean up. The intervals of cleaning depend on how much you use your fireplace. To be on a safer side, do the maintenance no later than the early fall to make it ready for the burning season.
If you can’t perform the undertaking, you can call a chimney sweep to assist you in the maintenance. They have the necessary tools and equipment to eradicate the most hardened creosote from the flue lining. Choose the one who’s certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America.
2. Obstruction
There might be some obstructions in your chimney system when you haven’t used it for a long period. These could be dead leaves brought by the wind, a bird’s nest, and other matters.
Risk: When there is a blockage in your chimney system, the proper flow of heat to escape your home is prevented and this can pose a threat to your health and your property.
What you need to do: According to the National Fire Protection Association, it’s recommended to have your chimney and fireplace inspected yearly.
3. Damage in the Flue
Depending on the mortar, chimney masonry lasts up to several years. But it deteriorates over time due to the presence of moisture in the environment, which leads to brickwork issues.
Risk: When there are cracks in the flue, some masonry parts will obstruct the vent, averting proper ventilation.
What you need to do: Since chimney inspection is done every year, when the chimney expert sees any crack in the flue, the structure must be repaired immediately to keep your household from being exposed to dangerous gases.
4. Damaged Chimney Crown
The chimney cap or crown is one of the essential parts of the fireplace chimney as it protects the chimney system against harsh outdoor elements
Risk: When the chimney cap is damaged, moisture can go into the whole system and create a safety hazard.
What you need to do: Call an experienced and licensed technician to repair your chimney crown.
Your fireplace chimney is an essential ventilation system. Do consistent maintenance to ensure the safety of your household. If you need help, fireplace experts are available to help you prevent toxins and dangerous fumes from getting into your home.
