A warm fire in the fireplace is one of the most relaxing and enjoyable pastimes you can do during cold weather. If you don’t properly maintain your chimney, there are many unpleasant side effects, including water damage, fumes and fires.
If not checked first, creosote buildup could cause fires.
CSIA states that clean chimneys won’t catch fire. A chimney clogged with the debris is a disaster waiting for it to happen. Smoke, vapour and unburned timber are all products of a fireplace or woodburning stove. They move into the cooler chimney, where they condense to create creosote, a dark brown-black coating. Creosote, which is highly flammable, can catch fire if the chimney is sufficiently hot and the creosote on the chimney walls is thick enough. The fire could cause damage to the chimney, the surrounding masonry and the underlying structure and enter the home’s interior.
Occupations can invite harmful vapours inside.
Everyday storm can dump leaves and twigs into your chimney. Birds, squirrels, and even raccoons can also build nests inside chimneys. These obstructions can block flues and stop fire by-products from being able to escape from fireplaces or woodburning stoves to the outside. The chimney’s backed-up smoke and vapours can enter your home and potentially expose you to carbon monoxide gas, which is invisible, odourless and deadly. If they come in contact with loose embers, the obstructions could also be used as kindling and spark a fire.
You may have damage to parts you cannot see with your naked eye.
The risk of fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, and water damage can be minimized by replacing damaged chimney components promptly. Many vital chimney components are too hidden or too high for homeowners to see. The following chimney sweeps have the training and tools to evaluate the damage to the critical components of the chimney:
- Crown: A crown is a down-sloping concrete, metal, or stone overhang at the top of a chimney that diverts water away from the exterior and prevents erosion.
- Flue Liner: A clay, ceramic or metal conduit between the flue (and the chimney walls) protects the chimney walls against heat and corrosion.
- Masonry A masonry chimney (e.g. brick) can cause porous material to expand and contract easily with heat or cold. This can eventually lead to small cracks.
The history of your chimney might haunt you.
A Level 2 chimney inspection is recommended before you sell a house or transfer it to a new owner. If you just bought a house and didn’t remember when it was last inspected, the chimney could have creosote or debris buildup or may be hiding damage. Do not risk a fire in your chimney or the release of harmful vapours. Get an Home Inspection in Los Angeles County before you use the fireplace or woodburning stove. An inspector will be able to identify chimney problems and fix them before they cause damage to your home and property.
Future damage may not be covered by homeowners insurance.
Many homeowner policies require regular chimney inspections to receive compensation for chimney damage caused by a fireplace or wood-burning stove. You could be responsible for future chimney damage if you skip inspections. Ensure that your chimney is inspected regularly to avoid any gaps in your insurance coverage.
