Nothing is comparable to the roaring flames in the fireplace on a cold day. However, this comfortable part of your home can end up being the most hazardous. Regular repair and maintenance of your chimney and flue are essential for ensuring that your family is warm and safe for several years to come.
Significance of Chimney Repair
The chimney serves the purpose of drawing gases and smoke away from a burning fire and removing them from your home. The function of your chimney goes beyond convenience. Smoke that is emitted from a fire may contain harmful gases that include carbon monoxide.
This is a colorless, odorless gas that may cause illness and can even be fatal when inhaled in large amounts. These reasons make it necessary to detect and repair chimney flue problems as early as possible.
Creosote
Creosote building up is among the common problems that arise when maintaining the chimney flue. Creosote refers to oil that is produced when wood and various solids burn. This emission can build up and solidify inside your chimney. Without timely treatment, the buildup of creosote can ignite hazardous chimney fires.
Blockage
Chimney flue blockage is another common repair issue. Debris may fall inside the chimney or nests may be built by animals there. A blocked chimney flue increases the risk of filling the house with dangerous gases.
Holes and Cracks
Holes or cracks within the chimney or chimney flue are a major aspect of professional chimney repair. These can also cause heat or gases to leak into the walls or home and result in a house fire or dangerous smoke inhalation.
All these problems should be addressed by a professional, licensed and qualified chimney repair expert.
Checking your Chimney
- Check on your chimney on a periodic basis from the exterior to see whether there are any gaps or cracks in the joints. These are usually stained by smoke, which makes it easier to observe them.
- Ensure that you have functional carbon monoxide and smoke detectors in your home. These should be placed on every floor, especially inside sleeping areas. They are useful for indicating venting issues. Checking them regularly is crucial for ensuring your family is not at risk of being exposed to carbon monoxide.
- Your fires should always burn hot and nice to prevent creosote from building up in the chimney.
- Schedule an examination and cleaning of your chimney as often as recommended with chimney repair professionals. Checks should be more frequent if you use your stove or fireplace regularly.
Repair Services
Call and consult a contractor if you notice the following changes affecting your chimney:
- Cracks between stone or brick.
- Moisture or water in the fireplace.
- Damaged cap or crown.
- Flaking, cracking or crumbling of the metal or brick.
Chimney repair professionals are well versed with how heating systems function, their performance and how to keep them in optimal working condition for as long as possible. You will be able to minimize the chimney repair costs with regular care and maintenance and rest assured that your chimney will provide years of efficient and safe service.
July 5, 2018