3 Reasons to Prioritize Chimney & Fireplace Maintenance

There is nothing quite like the ambiance of a warm fire in the fireplace but the pleasure of watching dancing flames comes with certain risks, and chimney maintenance is essential. Keeping your fireplace and chimney in good working order is not the kind of home maintenance that should be overlooked or set aside for other matters. The following are three among many reasons to prioritize chimney and fireplace upkeep.

1-Avoid a House Fire

Some statistics can stand alone when it comes to driving a point home. Such may be the case when it comes to fireplace and chimney maintenance because thousands of house fires are caused by dirty chimneys every year. One of the major causes of home fires related to heating systems is that homeowners don’t schedule a chimney cleaning. As a result of wood fires, chimney flues are gradually layered with highly flammable creosote. Floating embers are a common occurrence, and they can and often do start a chimney fire that is then fueled by creosote and eventually spreads into the home. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is a leading fire safety organization that recommends cleaning and inspections for all chimneys every year.

2-Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Chimney obstructions and chimney flue damage are both circumstances that can result in carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide (CO) fumes are released, along with other toxins, anytime there is a solid fuel fire. Carbon monoxide is known as The Silent Killer because it is odorless, invisible, tasteless, and symptomless. Chimney Obstructions such as a buildup of creosote inside the flue is the most common cause of blocked chimneys. When there is no chimney cap or when a chimney cap has no mesh, there is the possibility that chimney blockage will occur. Animals are often attracted to chimneys and climb inside, wreaking all kinds of havoc. Birds build nests and some animals get stuck in the chimney flue. These issues result in obstruction of the chimney. Also, without a chimney cap, branches, leaves, and other debris can enter the chimney, resulting in blockage. There is a danger of carbon monoxide poisoning when a chimney is obstructed because the dangerous and potentially deadly combustion fumes enter the home instead of going outside. If a chimney flue has any deterioration, such as a tiny crack, carbon monoxide poisoning becomes a very real threat. The dangerous combustion fumes can enter the home through a breach in the flue lining.

3-Keep Maintenance Costs Down

By investing in preventative chimney maintenance, homeowners avoid having to pay the greater expense of major chimney repairs. Masonry is highly vulnerable to water damage. When water gets into bricks, the freezing and thawing cycles of winter start an irreversible process in which bricks deteriorate, ultimately resulting in a leaning chimney. The chimney could collapse altogether. Ongoing maintenance involves annual chimney inspections, during which a professional chimney sweep identifies signs of chimney damage. For example, if the mortar is just starting to flake and peel off, a procedure known as tuckpointing can be performed. This is a method for replacing expired mortar. Once water gets into bricks, however, the bricks must be completely removed and replaced. Chimney rebuilds and masonry repair are much more expensive than routine chimney maintenance. Schedule Chimney Maintenance Today. Chimney Saver Solutions offers chimney cleaning, chimney inspections, chimney rebuilds, and all types of chimney maintenance that might be needed. Homeowners and business owners throughout the Greater Richmond, VA, region rely on our certified chimney sweeps for chimney maintenance and the accompanying peace of mind. Are you ready to prioritize chimney maintenance? Contact Chimney Saver Solutions today.