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Why is an Old Chimney a Fire Hazard

Post by : Admin

05-Mar-2022

Chimneys are created with a lot of attention to detail, and they are supposed to be inspected every few years. However, a few things can go wrong and cause the chimney to deteriorate over time, including fires on the roof or something as seemingly harmless as rain seeping into cracks in the mortar.

If your chimney is very old and has been unattended for a long time, it could be a fire hazard. Here’s why.

Unsafe and damaged chimney structure

Cleaning, repairing, and rebuilding an old chimney system is vital to prevent fire or carbon monoxide exposure risks. Structural damage means a loss in longevity, which can lead to the potential for more fires or carbon monoxide exposure that might not have occurred if the system was in good condition.

Newer chimney systems are less likely to be affected by this risk than older ones, but the risk does still exist.

Fire from an improper flue design

A fire can start inside the chimney because of an improperly designed flue since a flue is supposed to protect your home’s structure against the fire and smoke generated by your fireplace.

In some cases, a chimney fire can lead to structural damage to your home, especially if it gets out of control rapidly. If you have an older chimney system that has been around for more than 10 years, you might want to think about upgrading your chimney system altogether.

a white chimney made of bricks

Fire from an improperly maintained chimney

If your chimney is not maintained, fire can easily sneak through the flue and ignite the creosote build-up in the unclean chimney. While this type of risk isn’t as fatal as carbon monoxide exposure, it is still dangerous. For example, in some cases, a fire can start at the base of the chimney and spread upwards towards the roof or home. Protection against this risk is simple: maintain your chimney.

Hire A Professional Chimney Repair Service

If you think your chimney is old and is dangerous to use, consider calling for a professional chimney inspection. The chimney experts can determine if your old chimney requires repairs or replacements. Their inspection team is equipped with the necessary equipment to keep you and your home safe from any fire hazards.

At Creative Masonry & Chimney, we offer a wide range of chimney services in Sharon, CT.

We also offer chimney inspection, chimney rebuilding, chimney repair, and much more.

Contact us today to schedule a chimney cleaning and inspection.