One of the hallmarks of being human is the ability to control fire. Even today, people naturally gravitate towards a warm, cozy hearth. While it is true that nothing really beats the comforting ambiance of a fireplace, neglecting timely maintenance may result in excess interior smoke, and in some cases delaying chimney repairs can cause a serious conflagration.
Newer homes are usually connected to natural gas, and many are not designed for wood burning fireplaces. Regardless, there must still be a safe and effective way to release the hot gases and residue from basement boilers or furnaces. In warmer regions, a fireplace may be used only occasionally during the winter, and maintenance becomes relatively easy to ignore.
The cost of procrastination can be high. Chimney fires cause a predictable number of losses each year, most caused by a steady buildup of creosote inside the vent itself. Creosote is the remaining chemical residue of the fire and smoke that high-moisture content wood produces. It can build up rapidly, and burns very quickly at astonishingly high temperatures.
Signs that a structure is becoming dangerously coated may not be immediately obvious. If the smoke escaping from the top is consistently dark, or if the flue no longer prevents smoke from filling the room, there is usually a buildup. The only real way to know how quickly the substance accumulates is to perform inspections personally, or to hire a professional inspector more than once a year.
Most homeowners are perfectly capable of doing so themselves. The best weather for this activity is windless to prevent blowing soot, and a face mask and goggles should be worn at all times during the job. Both the rooftop chimney and interior fireplace should be closely examined. This requires a sturdy flashlight, and it helps to have a angled mirror that can be extended to peer around corners.
If there is evidence of a rodent or bird nest blocking the exit, it will have to be removed. Even though this inconveniences the animals, a backup can result in excess carbon monoxide, and odorless gas that can be quickly fatal. The layers of creosote can be examined best using a screwdriver or long knife to cut through the deposit. If it is greater than 1/4 inch deep, do not use the fireplace until it is cleaned.
In older homes, settling and bad weather can cause serious cracks over time. The mortar may begin to crumble, allowing the loose bricks to topple over easily during a moderate earthquake or storm. The flashing that was installed where the roof and chimney meet may also come loose, allowing water to penetrate to the underlying surface, resulting in rot and making roof repairs necessary.
Moss is lovely to look at, but should not be left in place because of possible moisture damage. The original cap over the flue may need replacing or cleaning. When an inspection turns up problems, they should be referred to a professional maintenance or repair service before the fire is lighted again. Having the work done may require an expenditure, but in the long run can prevent a conflagration.
Newer homes are usually connected to natural gas, and many are not designed for wood burning fireplaces. Regardless, there must still be a safe and effective way to release the hot gases and residue from basement boilers or furnaces. In warmer regions, a fireplace may be used only occasionally during the winter, and maintenance becomes relatively easy to ignore.
The cost of procrastination can be high. Chimney fires cause a predictable number of losses each year, most caused by a steady buildup of creosote inside the vent itself. Creosote is the remaining chemical residue of the fire and smoke that high-moisture content wood produces. It can build up rapidly, and burns very quickly at astonishingly high temperatures.
Signs that a structure is becoming dangerously coated may not be immediately obvious. If the smoke escaping from the top is consistently dark, or if the flue no longer prevents smoke from filling the room, there is usually a buildup. The only real way to know how quickly the substance accumulates is to perform inspections personally, or to hire a professional inspector more than once a year.
Most homeowners are perfectly capable of doing so themselves. The best weather for this activity is windless to prevent blowing soot, and a face mask and goggles should be worn at all times during the job. Both the rooftop chimney and interior fireplace should be closely examined. This requires a sturdy flashlight, and it helps to have a angled mirror that can be extended to peer around corners.
If there is evidence of a rodent or bird nest blocking the exit, it will have to be removed. Even though this inconveniences the animals, a backup can result in excess carbon monoxide, and odorless gas that can be quickly fatal. The layers of creosote can be examined best using a screwdriver or long knife to cut through the deposit. If it is greater than 1/4 inch deep, do not use the fireplace until it is cleaned.
In older homes, settling and bad weather can cause serious cracks over time. The mortar may begin to crumble, allowing the loose bricks to topple over easily during a moderate earthquake or storm. The flashing that was installed where the roof and chimney meet may also come loose, allowing water to penetrate to the underlying surface, resulting in rot and making roof repairs necessary.
Moss is lovely to look at, but should not be left in place because of possible moisture damage. The original cap over the flue may need replacing or cleaning. When an inspection turns up problems, they should be referred to a professional maintenance or repair service before the fire is lighted again. Having the work done may require an expenditure, but in the long run can prevent a conflagration.
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