A clean and properly maintained chimney should never have fiery sparks popping out of its top. Unfortunately, not
all chimneys are clean and maintained. Fluesbrothers Chimney are clean and maintained.  Fluesbrothers Chimney& Fireplace offers the following advice should you experience this  potentially dangerous problem.

Call 911

This is the first step, because, although the situation may not seem dire, it could be. Assuming there’s a fire in the chimney, you can’t solve the problem on your own. Bring in trained emergency personnel.

Extinguish the fire in the fireplace

This is the second step – If you can put out the fire safely do so. If not, move to step 3.

Leave the house

Leave with all people and pets living in the home. If you feel it’s necessary, take with you any valuables that you can’t afford to lose. It probably won’t come to this, but use your judgment.

Why all the panic?

The panic is because, if sparks and embers are coming out of the top of your chimney, an active chimney fire is occurring, even if you don’t see actual flames.

Along with fiery debris exiting the chimney, a chimney fire often gives other signs such as:

• A strange tapping or clicking noise
• A rumbling sound like from a faraway train
• Excess dense smoke coming from the top of the chimney or the fireplace

What causes chimney fires?

By far the most common cause of chimney fires is creosote that ignites in the chimney flue. Creosote is formed by the condensation of smoke, and it accumulates inside your chimney every time you use your fireplace.

Preventative steps you can take

Since creosote originates in smoke, it follows that creating less smoke with your fires will benefit you. How can you do this?

• Burn only dry firewood, which is much less smoky than damp, unseasoned wood.
• Never burn cardboard, sheetrock, plastics, metals, packing materials, clothing or anything else. Non-firewood materials can produce excess smoke and burn too hot for your system.
• Burn hardwoods such as oak, walnut and elm, which make less smoke than pine, redwood, spruce and other softwoods.
• Have your chimney cleaned once a year.

How professional chimney sweeps deal with the problem

Chimney technicians are trained in the use of a variety of industry-grade tools to safely and effectively remove creosote from your chimney flue. An annual chimney sweep is an excellent step toward preventing chimney fires.
A clean chimney not only is less prone to a fire, but it’s also less likely to cause smoke backups, which often are caused when a flue is narrowed by creosote and outside debris. The real danger with smoke in your home is carbon monoxide, which is invisible, odorless and potentially fatal when inhaled.

Have your chimney inspected once a year

Annual chimney inspections go even further toward keeping your chimney clean and safe. Licensed chimney inspectors understand your system inside and out and will alert you to creosote issues as well as any damage or malfunction that is occurring.

Note that if your chimney is sending sparks and embers into the air, arrange for a special inspection as soon as the fire has been properly dealt with.

A clean chimney is a happy chimney

Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace helps residents in the Kansas City, KS, region keep their fireplaces clean and happy. We provide licensed chimney inspections, chimney cleaning and all types of chimney repair work.

Speak with a chimney expert by calling (913) 236-7141, or reach us through our contact form.

The post When Sparks & Embers are Coming out of Your Chimney, Here’s what to Do appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

You rely on your chimney for appropriate ventilation in the fireplace. However, the chimney should protect your home from any elements in the outside world. If you notice that your chimney seems leaking when it is raining outside, you might need a chimney inspection. This is especially true if there is a water spot that you can see on the ceiling. Even a minor leak leads to a lot of damage. That is why you should understand the causes of why your chimney might be leaking.

Read this article until the end to find out more.

Rain is Going in from the Top

It is not difficult to imagine that. Chimneys that do not have covers gather a lot of rain that falls down inside them. A chimney cover is sensible to a lot of people. This will keep the rain out, and even the birds, animals, and debris. The greatest chimney cover value is about keeping them out since chimneys can get blocked at the bottom. Hence, people can get sick or die from CO poisoning. Even if it is true that your uncovered flue is why you have water problems, it is most likely because the metal is thin and it leads to a leaking chimney.

Rusty Top

From the top of your chimney, you will have a chase top that keeps water from going straight down into your chimney when it is raining. It will have an entire cute in the middle for the spark arrester and chimney pipe for it to go through. Caulk will be used to seal it.

In case the middle part of the chase is lower than the steel panel, it will hold water. This is going to lead to water that comes into the chimney since the chase top will rust through. The chase top can also leak because of the caulk that is failing around the hole and the chimney pipe and spark arrestor goes through.

Cracks in the Crown

The chimney crown is on the top of the chimney. The bricks go around those flue liners, but from the top, you will require something that will stop the rain and snow from going to the tiles. You will see that the main purpose of the chimney crown is to keep the rain away. Cracks can happen because of when the structure shifts or from the shrinkage that dates back to the first day when the crown was put on. When there are big cracks in the crown, the water will go through those cracks right away.

Roof Flashing Problem

Roof flashing is the thin metal that is installed to direct water away from certain parts of the roof, which includes your chimney. The chimney could be leaking because of flashing when it is not installed properly. When this is the case, there is nothing that keeps the water from going inside and it goes into your home.

Another reason is that you would have to rely on the workmanship warranty of the contractor or you can call a different roofer so they can come and properly reflash your chimney.

If the roof flashing is at the end of its lifespan or it becomes damaged, it needs to be replaced so the leak can be fixed.

You will need to hire chimney contractors from Ellicott City to get a leaking chimney fixed and you can live peacefully again.

The post Blog first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

This post first appeared on https://www.firstclasschimneyservices.com

In a meeting last week with our Certified Chimney Technicians, they began to share some of their past experiences as the Christmas holiday approaches. Some were reluctant to tell their story. Who would believe them? Will you? We’ll need to keep their names anonymous.

Chimney Technician #1: It was the last chimney service appointment of the day, Christmas Eve. The family was to have a big Christmas dinner with lots of family and friends coming over. They wanted to use the fireplace so everyone could enjoy the warmth and beauty of the fire. However, since the family hadn’t used the fireplace yet, they wanted a chimney sweep & inspection done to ensure no glitches in the day’s festivities. I did what I normally do in servicing a fireplace.

Nearing completion, as I began to put away my equipment, I saw something coming out of the chimney flue. I saw part of a red pant leg and a black boot. I thought I was seeing things until I heard a noise. I ran back to the fireplace and looked up. I saw something quickly shoot up the flue and out the top of the chimney. I know it was Santa, but I didn’t want to say it out loud.

Chimney Technician #2: It was late afternoon on Christmas Eve. The Mom, at this particular stop, had asked the kids to move the presents that were in front of the fireplace to under the Christmas tree. There were about 10 packages of various sizes and the kids moved them all to their new location. This gave me plenty of room to work on getting the musty chimney odor out of the chimney and ultimately the home.

I completed the chimney inspection job and walked over to the homeowner in the kitchen to review my findings. No one was in the family room as the kids went back upstairs to their rooms. When I walked back into the family room with the homeowner, there were four packages in front of the fireplace. Each one had a name, and one of them was mine! We looked at each other, wondering where these came from as the kids had moved all of the presents already. I gave all the packages to the homeowner and she said there was no one else here by this name, mine! She told me to take it.

When I got into my truck, I opened the package. It was something I had wished for, but never told anyone. This is the first time I’m saying it out loud.

Chimney Technician #3: I don’t want to say too much. It just started to snow when I got to this homeowner’s house on Christmas Eve. All I can tell you is that there were footprints where footprints shouldn’t be! I checked my work boots, and it didn’t fit the foot print. My foot was too small and I’m a size 11. Nobody else was around. That’s all I’m going to say.

There you have it. Real stories from some of Superior Chimney’s Technicians. Nobody knows chimneys like these Technicians. From all of us at Superior Chimney, Happy Holidays!

This post first appeared on https://www.superiorchimney.net

You’ll enjoy your fireplace a lot more this winter by following a few wise safe practices than you will if you ignore your fireplace and chimney and hope for the best.

Here are the essentials.

Have your chimney inspected

A licensed chimney inspector will look over your chimney and fireplace to make sure they’re ready for heavy use. Areas of a basic inspection likely will include:

• Bricks and mortar (chimney masonry)
• Firebox
• Fireplace damper
• Chimney cap
• Chimney crown
• Chimney flashing
• Drafting efficiency
• Flue buildups/obstructions

If anything is found that could lead to unsafe or inefficient operation, your inspector will alert you to it. Most chimney inspectors provide repair and component-replacement services.

Have your chimney cleaned

If it’s been more than a year since the chimney for your wood fireplace has been professionally cleaned, make sure you arrange for this service before firing up the fireplace.

The best practice is to schedule annual chimney cleanings once a year, on or around the same date of the previous inspection.

Chimney cleaning (also called chimney sweeping) involves the use of specialized brushes, scrubbers and whips to dislodge and remove built-up creosote and soot from your chimney flue. Creosote is highly flammable and causes most chimney fires in the U.S. each year.

Your technician also will remove tree debris, the nests of small animals and other flue obstructions that could cause smoke and deadly carbon monoxide to back up into your home.

Operate your fireplace safely and correctly

Just because it’s called a “fire”-place doesn’t mean it’s supposed to be used for any kind of fire. Here are some guidelines:

Burn only firewood

Never burn furniture pieces, packaging materials, pressed board, clothing, magazines, household garbage or any other “foreign” material. These materials can burn way too hot and create way too much smoke.

Burn dry wood

Seasoned firewood has had at least six months to dry out. Damp wood is very smoky, which contributes to more creosote in your chimney.

Start fires with matches and kindling

Do not use accelerants like lighter fluid or charcoal starters to get fires going. These toxic substances can send dangerous fumes into your home, and they can flare up and put your fireplace/chimney system at risk.

Keep smoke and CO alarms in place

Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide monitors are very important if you operate a fireplace. Smoke detectors should be placed throughout the home. A CO monitor should be placed on a wall near the fireplace and higher than the firebox.

Never leave home with a fire burning

This goes without saying, but one more reminder won’t hurt. You cannot control a fire when you’re gone. In addition, if you have small children or playful pets, it’s a good idea to never leave them unattended when your fireplace is running.

What to do if there’s a chimney fire

These are common signs a chimney fire has occurred:

• Rumbling sounds like from a faraway train
• Clicking or tapping noises
• Large amounts of dark smoke coming from either end of your chimney

If you notice any of these signs, call 911 immediately – don’t try to solve the problem on your own. Then put out the fire in the fireplace if it’s safe to do so. When the emergency is resolved, bring out a chimney inspector.

 

 

Safe wintertime fireplace use starts with expert help

Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace of Kansas City, KS, is here to help keep your fireplace/chimney system running safely and efficiently all winter long. We provide licensed chimney inspection, chimney cleaning and all types of repair and rebuilding work.

Get your questions answered or schedule an appointment by calling (913) 236-7141.

The post Safe Practices for Wintertime Fireplace Use appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

A clean and properly maintained chimney should never have fiery sparks popping out of its top. Unfortunately, not all chimneys are clean and maintained. Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace offers the following advice should you experience this potentially dangerous problem.

Call 911

This is the first step, because, although the situation may not seem dire, it could be. Assuming there’s a fire in the chimney, you can’t solve the problem on your own. Bring in trained emergency personnel.
Extinguish the fire in the fireplace

This is the second step – if you can put out the fire safely. If not, move to step 3.

Leave the house

Leave with all people and pets living in the home. If you feel it’s necessary, take with you any valuables that you can’t afford to lose. It probably won’t come to this, but use your judgment.

Why all the panic?

The panic is because, if sparks and embers are coming out of the top of your chimney, an active chimney fire is occurring, even if you don’t see actual flames.

Along with fiery debris exiting the chimney, a chimney fire often gives other signs such as:

• A strange tapping or clicking noise
• A rumbling sound like from a faraway train
• Excess dense smoke coming from the top of the chimney or the fireplace

What causes chimney fires?

By far the most common cause of chimney fires is creosote that ignites in the chimney flue.

Creosote is formed by the condensation of smoke, and it accumulates inside your chimney every time you use your fireplace.

Preventative steps you can take

Since creosote originates in smoke, it follows that creating less smoke with your fires will benefit you. How can you do this?

• Burn only dry firewood, which is much less smoky than damp, unseasoned wood.
• Never burn cardboard, sheetrock, plastics, metals, packing materials, clothing or anything else. Non-firewood materials can produce excess smoke and burn too hot for your system.
• Burn hardwoods such as oak, walnut and elm, which make less smoke than pine, redwood, spruce and other softwoods.
• Have your chimney cleaned once a year.

How professional chimney sweeps deal with the problem

Chimney technicians are trained in the use of a variety of industry-grade tools to safely and effectively remove creosote from your chimney flue. An annual chimney sweep is an excellent step toward preventing chimney fires.

A clean chimney not only is less prone to a fire, but it’s also less likely to cause smoke backups, which often are caused when a flue is narrowed by creosote and outside debris. The real danger with smoke in your home is carbon monoxide, which is invisible, odorless and potentially fatal when inhaled.

Have your chimney inspected once a year

Annual chimney inspections go even further toward keeping your chimney clean and safe. Licensed chimney inspectors understand your system inside and out and will alert you to creosote issues as well as any damage or malfunction that is occurring.
Note that if your chimney is sending sparks and embers into the air, arrange for a special inspection as soon as the fire has been properly dealt with.

A clean chimney is a happy chimney

Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace helps residents in the Kansas City, KS, region keep their fireplaces clean and happy. We provide licensed chimney inspections, chimney cleaning and all types of chimney repair work.

Speak with a chimney expert by calling (913) 236-7141, or reach us through our contact form.

The post Here’s What To Do When There’s a Chimney Fire appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

Have you ever been outside during the winter, looked up, and noticed sparks or embers coming out of your chimney? We hope not, as it’s not a common occurrence. However, assuming you see that happening, is it a problem? Better yet, if it is a problem, how should you fix your chimney in this situation? Today, let’s discuss what to do if sparks are coming out of your chimney.

First, are sparks coming out of your chimney a problem?

Before we answer that question, we should clarify what we mean by sparks or embers. Simply put, an ember is a burnt piece of coal or wood, depending on which you use as a heating source.

That’s it. Sounds pretty simple, right? So, if your fireplace burns those materials, and embers are just small pieces of burnt material, logically it doesn’t sound like there’s a problem at all.

While we appreciate the logic behind that reason, the opposite is true. If you see sparks, embers, or dense, black smoke coming out of your chimney at any time, it’s a sign of a major problem that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.

If possible, immediately extinguish the fire and contact emergency personnel right away.

Why are spark and embers a problem?

If that sounds intense, it’s because it is. Sparks, embers, and dark smoke are telltale signs of a chimney fire. It’s safe to assume that if you see any of these coming out of your chimney, you have a fire on your hands.

For a little bit of background, most chimney fires start with an excessive creosote buildup. Creosote is the remnants of combustible materials that you use in your fireplace. Wood with a higher moisture content can contribute to excessive creosote development, which is why it’s always a good idea to only use dry, seasoned wood.

Even products such as artificial logs that you buy at local retail stores can contribute to creosote buildup. Over time, if not properly removed, a dense layer of creosote will start to form along the walls of your flue. The thicker it becomes and the longer it’s left in place, the higher your risk of starting a chimney fire.

What to do if sparks are coming out of your chimney

First and foremost, immediately vacate the structure. Get your family to safety before you do anything else.

Next, call emergency services to request professional assistance dealing with the fire.

If possible, as we mentioned you can try to put out the fire yourself. Shutting air vents can help reduce the intensity of the fire. If it’s relatively small still, you may consider moving valuables away from the chimney. Use a fire extinguisher if it seems reasonable to do so. Otherwise, don’t risk it — vacate the premises and wait for the fire department to arrive. Safety is your priority here.

Ongoing chimney maintenance to prevent sparks and embers

The key to preventing chimney fires is proactive maintenance. Regular chimney sweeps, inspections, and dealing with any structural issues immediately can minimize your risk of creosote buildup turning into a house fire.

If you’d like to schedule an inspection, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’ll schedule a time to visit your home and let you know if your fireplace is safe to use this season. And, if it needs any type of maintenance, we’ll gladly help you with that process too.

Chimney Solutions Indiana

(317) 757-6979
https://chimneysolutionsindiana.com/scheduling/

This post first appeared on https://www.mychimney.com

Chimneys last for many years, but they don’t last forever. Various things can go wrong with them over time. As a homeowner, you want to catch problems early and get them fixed quickly. Here are some things to look for that tell you your chimney needs attention.

Smoke drafting problems

If smoke is backing up into your home, your biggest concern is the carbon monoxide that smoke carries. Carbon monoxide is invisible and odorless, but it is known to be potentially fatal to people and pets when inhaled.

Drafting problems can be simple or complicated, depending on the cause.

The most common reasons for smoke to not draft properly up a chimney include:

• Obstructions such as built-up creosote or outside debris including leaves, twigs and the nests of small animals
• Fireplace damper not completely open
• House too air-tight (cracking a window usually solves this)
• Negative air pressure in the home caused by kitchen or bathroom fans, clothes dryers or other blowing devices

If you try everything and can’t solve the problem on your own, contact a licensed chimney inspector to determine if there are blockages in your flue.

Cracked or crumbling masonry

Even the smallest cracks in your chimney bricks can lead to big trouble down the line. The same with mortar that’s crumbling. When water penetrates masonry, it can begin a cycle of deterioration. If the moisture freezes in cold weather, it will expand and cause more masonry damage.

It’s a good idea to perform periodic visual inspections of your exterior chimney and look for areas that are cracked and crumbling. Masonry problems don’t resolve themselves, rather they get worse until you could be facing a collapsed chimney.

Chimney technicians have a variety of ways to address masonry damage. They can replace crumbling mortar and cracked bricks. They can rebuild sections of the chimney as needed. As a preventative, they can apply a water sealant to the chimney’s surfaces.

Component damage

Along with occasional visual inspections of your chimney’s masonry, you should take a look at its components.

• Make sure your chimney cap is fitted securely and isn’t warped, broken or otherwise damaged.
• Check the concrete chimney crown for signs of cracking and crumbling.
• Look at the flashing that seals the gap between the roof and chimney. Is it warped or rusted? Are sections missing?
• How does your fireplace damper work? Is it smooth, or is it hard to move and squeaky?

Any component issues you uncover can be resolved by a chimney technician either through repair work or component replacement.

Leaky chimney

Chimney leaks should be determined and repaired as quickly as possible to prevent widespread structural and component damage. A severely leaking chimney also can cause rot and decay in home building materials near the leak.

Look for these signs of a leaky chimney:

• Water in the firebox
• Strong musty odors coming from the fireplace or in the attic or crawl spaces
• Damp sections of the ceiling or walls near the fireplace/chimney
• White discoloration (efflorescence) on the exterior chimney masonry

Contact a chimney repair company if you notice any of these signs.

Keep your chimney in great shape all year long

Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace of Kansas City, KS, is ready to help with all your chimney needs including chimney cleaning, chimney inspections and a full menu of repair and rebuilding services.

To arrange an appointment or get your questions answered, call (913) 236-7141.

The post 4 Signs that You Need Chimney Repair appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

There are places in your home where you can “cut corners” and come out all right. Your chimney/fireplace system isn’t one of those areas. Regular inspections performed by a licensed professional are critical in keeping your chimney and fireplace working safely and efficiently. Neglecting these inspections could result in huge repair bills and possibly risk to everyone who lives in your home.

What a chimney inspector does

Most licensed chimney inspectors perform three different types of inspections as described by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA):

Level 1 chimney inspection

This is the basic inspection that covers all visible areas of your chimney/fireplace system. Your inspector will alert you to damage or malfunction that needs to be addressed to prevent more serious problems down the line.

Level 2 chimney inspection

These inspections involve video imaging technology and are performed in the following three scenarios:

• When the home is being sold
• During a system alteration, such as adding a new chimney liner or replacing a wood-burning fireplace with a gas unit
• When a chimney fire, lightning strike or other event is thought to have caused some kind of damage

Level 3 chimney inspection

A Level 3 inspection is called for when significant damage is known to exist. It typically involves the removal of parts of the chimney structure and/or adjacent home building materials.

Common chimney problems found by inspectors

While you can spot certain chimney and fireplace issues, a trained chimney inspector is able to see things you can’t. Additionally, the inspector can determine the cause and extent of the problem, which isn’t easy for most homeowners to do.

Here are some common chimney problems inspectors find.

Flue obstructions

If you operate your chimney without a chimney cap, your flue is open to falling debris from trees and the nests of small animals such as birds and squirrels. These obstructions narrow the flue passage and can cause smoke and deadly carbon monoxide to back up in to your home.

Excess creosote

Creosote is a byproduct of wood combustion and is added to your chimney flue every time you use the fireplace. Creosote can worsen an existing obstruction, but more critically, it can ignite into a chimney fire. The more creosote, the more potential for a devastating fire.

Compromised masonry

Chimney inspectors look closely at a chimney’s masonry. They’re checking for cracks in the bricks and crumbling sections of mortar, both of which will allow water to intrude and begin a cycle of extensive damage. Severe compromises in the masonry can lead to a leaning or collapsed chimney, costing you more money.

Chimney cap, crown and flashing damage

Chimney caps protect the top of the chimney from rain and debris. Chimney crowns cover the interior chimney spaces minus the flue openings. Chimney flashing seals the gap between your chimney and roof. If there are problems with any of these components, serious leaks and water damage likely will be on the way.

Chimney inspectors will spot these and other issues and give you recommendations on how to repair them. Many inspectors provide repair work for fireplaces and chimneys as well as chimney cleaning services.

Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace of Kansas City, KS, is ready to help with licensed chimney inspections, fireplace inspections, chimney sweeping and all types of repairs throughout your chimney/fireplace system.

Speak with a chimney professional today at (913) 236-7141.

The post Risks in Neglecting to Have Your Chimney & Fireplace Inspected appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

As the winter months appear on the calendar, it is time to think about fires in the fireplace.  Many homeowners use their fireplace as a centerpiece during the holidays.  Before decking the halls and collecting firewood, make sure your chimney is ready for fires.  Below is a checklist to help all homeowners prepare their chimneys for the winter months.

Tip #1 – Schedule A Chimney Inspection

It is safe to say that not all homeowners are chimney experts.  Very few have a trained eye to spot potential problems.  If the fireplace and chimney haven’t been inspected in the last twelve months, it’s time to schedule a licensed chimney sweep to come in for a cleaning and inspection.  The colder months aren’t the ideal time to get this done but, it’s no excuse to postpone it now.   A cleaning and inspection can catch hazardous concerns.  Safety should be the goal in all fireplace situations.

Tip #2 – Check The Chimney Flashing

Take a good look at the flashing of your chimney.  This is the sheet metal wrapped around where the chimney meets the roof.  Its chief purpose is to prevent rainwater and moisture from getting into the home.  This piece of metal will deteriorate over time and allow water to seep into the roof and your home.  Mold and mildew will grow on your ceilings and spread down the walls.  These conditions will require significant repairs.

Tip #3 – Check The Chimney Cap

Is the chimney cap doing what it is designed to do?  The chimney cap is put into place to keep animals and organic debris out of your chimney and firebox.  Animals will crawl/fly down to get warm.  They can also leave their droppings and create a terrible odor.  Most importantly, animals can scratch and claw out a place to curl up, creating holes that let rain in.  A chimney sweep will let you know if the cap needs replacing.

Tip #4- Make Sure To Burn Seasoned Firewood

Burning hard and dry wood is best for your fireplace.  Dry wood creates less smoke when lit.  The wood used should be stored in a high, dry place for at least a season.  The term ‘seasoned’ has a variety of definitions.  Most chimney experts will recommend six months for wood to season properly.

Tip #5 – Use a Spark Screen

Avoid flying embers with a spark screen. It can be either a screen with no holes or a glass door.  A spark guard is vital if you have small children, or the fire is often left unattended.  Small children are curious.  A spark guard will keep little hands away from the heat and also stop the occasional errant spark from escaping the fireplace.

Northeast Chimney, LLC recommends these tips for readying your fireplace and chimney for the winter. Our technicians will come out and not just clean your chimney but inspect every part of it.  With their trained eye, the techs will check all aspects of the chimney for any irregularities.  They will make a note of any problems and discuss them with you.

We have been in the business of cleaning and servicing chimneys for 40 years.  Many of our customers are homeowners in your area.

Check our customer reviews and call us for anything chimney.

Northeastern Chimney, LLC

37 Cody Street

 West Hartford, Connecticut 06110

 Phone: 860-233-5770

 

 

This post first appeared on https://www.mychimney.com

A chimney in disrepair is not just unsightly, it’s dangerous. Many of the chimney hazards we witness on a daily basis can be prevented, as the old saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Here are some common problems that can become hazards if not properly addressed.

Blocked Chimneys

The purpose of a chimney is to draw smoke and toxic gases up and out of a home. If the flue becomes blocked by animal nests, residue from smoke (called creosote), broken masonry, dead animals, etc. The smoke and toxic fumes have nowhere to go except back into your home. This can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is an invisible and odorless gas so you won’t notice it until it is too late. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are confusion, headaches, difficulty breathing, nausea, loss of consciousness and even death.

Chimney fires can also occur once the debris inside the flue catches on fire. These fires are dangerous because they can damage the internal structure of the chimney causing it to fail. Never start a fire if you suspect your chimney is blocked. Schedule a professional chimney sweep immediately.

**Prevention –  Make sure that your chimney cap is in good condition. Chimney caps prevent birds, squirrels and other animals from entering the chimney and creating nests, they also lessen the amount of leaves and other items that might otherwise blow into a chimney during a storm. Use clean-burning wood that forms less Creosote to avoid less buildup.  If you notice broken or crumbling brickwork, attend to it immediately.

Chimney Water Damage

Water Damage can occur through the constant cycle of freezing and thawing or because of leaks in the chimney flue or crown. These leaks spell trouble often rusting the damper or firebox. It can cause damage to the chimney liner which may cause water to seep into ceilings or walls. Excess moisture is the perfect environment for mold which can cause foul odors and inhibit air quality.
**Prevention – A good chimney cap is your first line of defense against excess water. They are also known as rain covers and will help guard your flue against water damage. Make sure the flashing is in good condition. The flashing is the seal between the roof and chimney. Ask your chimney sweep about waterproofing.

Cracked Brickwork

Masonry can become cracked for a variety of reasons. The first is the changing weather, over time the brickwork will begin to crack and even crumble due to the cycle of freezing and thawing. Heavy winds and water damage can lead to large cracks.

**Prevention – once again a strong well functioning chimney cap is going to do a lot to prevent the water damage that causes cracked brickwork. Catching cracks when they are small because of thorough inspections is the key to preventing costly issues down the road.

Damaged Fireplace Flue Liner

Chimney liners extend the life of your chimney by protecting the flue from heat and corrosion. The liner can become damaged due to cracks from foundation settling, weather and deterioration from the effects of oil and gas.

**Prevention – have your chimney liner inspected and cleaned at least once a year to catch problems before they start.

These dangers are definitely preventable, they all start with a routine chimney Inspection or cleaning performed by a professional. Our certified chimney sweeps can help you get to the bottom of your issue before it’s too late.

This post first appeared on https://www.mychimney.com