Chimneys need to be swept and checked every year. Before you smoke up the house, before you get that smell, before creatures nest, and before that unseen problem becomes a house fire risk have your flue checked yearly by a certified chimney sweep.
Good quality chimney caps help prevent water from getting into the flue. Over time water erosion can compromise a liner's integrity. Caps are also an excellent way to keep animals and debris out of the chimney flue.
To avoid venting, draft and other serious issues, it's not recommended you install a woodstove or other heating appliances before you've had your flue evaluated by a certified chimney sweep as there are many variables to consider in the purchase and installation of heating appliances.
Damaged flue liners equal disaster. If you suspect a cracked flue liner do not use your chimney. A cracked flue liner is a carbonmonoxide hazard and a house fire risk.
1) Carbonmonoxide leaks undetected through cracks in the flue lining into your home.
2) A chimney fire becoming a house fire can ignite your home in two different ways. It can escape through cracks in the flue tile then through cracked mortar in the surrounding brick and directly set your house on fire. Even small hairline cracks could open as wide as 1/4 inch when flue is overheated. A chimney fire can also ignite the materials in your house just by heat alone. Their temperatures can reach upwards of 2000 degrees. This intense heat can bring materials surrounding the chimney to a flash point.
A Few Things To Know About Your Chimney
Doug's
Chimney Sweep, LLC
