Post by : Admin
23-Jul-2020
Your chimney should last 15 to 20 years, provided you look after it properly. Chimney maintenance can help identify issues early on, so you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars on repairs when disaster strikes.
Here’s why you should invest in chimney maintenance:
A chimney needs to be free of any obstructions to function smoothly.
Because they’re located outside the house, chimneys often get clogged with debris such as sticks, leaves, and even animal nests at times. It’s not unusual to find animals (alive and dead) in your chimney as well.
If you notice that smoke is staying inside the house instead of flowing out through the chimney, you may have obstructions to deal with. In the worst cases, a clogged chimney can cause a chimney fire or carbon monoxide leaks.
There are around 25,000 chimney fires in the US every year. They happen due to all kinds of issues that can easily be avoided with regular chimney maintenance.
Creosote is a flammable byproduct that’s produced by burning wood in the fireplace. Unless it’s physically cleaned, it will accumulate on the flue and lining of the chimney. If a spark happens to get on the creosote, a fire will erupt.
Removing the creosote from insides of your chimney is crucial for the well-being of you and your family.
An unclean fireplace is an inefficient fireplace. Just like an HVAC unit, a fireplace that isn’t working as it should will lead to a hike in energy bills.
You could be losing heat when the fire is lit during the fall and winter months, and gaps in the chimney may allow hot air in during the summer months.
During the winter, make sure you call the chimney experts to inspect and clean your chimney before lighting a fire. Chimney sweeps and contractors will ensure all the components are in good condition.
Chimney inspections will reveal whether any parts of your chimney need repairs or replacing. If a chimney service company tells you to replace something in your chimney, you should listen; your safety is their priority.
Bear in mind that chimney repairs can take time, so it’s best to call the chimney contractors at least a month before you intend to begin using your chimney for the season.
Creative Masonry & Chimney offers masonry and chimney services in Connecticut.
Our chimney sweeps provide cleaning and maintenance services to ensure your fireplace is safe to use.
Contact us to get a free estimate.
