The fireplace in your house is designed to serve a purpose. It keeps you and your family members warm during chilly weather conditions. A fireplace comprises several components such as firebox, grate, chimney, and chimney flue, chimney cap, etc. If either of these components is cracked or damaged, your fireplace and chimney will not function the way it is supposed to. In such cases, the fireplace becomes more of a threat rather than a comfort. If your fireplace has been sitting dormant during the summer season and it is now time to make it functional, you will need to make sure it is safe to use with a fireplace and chimney inspection. Let’s take a look at some important factors that you should consider before lighting up your fireplace.

Check For Animal Nests Or Debris Buildup

If you are using your chimney after a while, you should keep in mind that birds and animals tend to take up accommodations to protect their offspring from predators. So, do not be surprised if you find some feathers or something moving inside the chimney.

The problem is when homeowners assume that they will leave the chimney on their own once it is lightened up. The fact is that they end up burning the animals alive, which could not only cause a very bad smell but also a fire hazard.

This is why, when it is time for you to give the fireplace some rest, you should cover the entire system including the chimney to prevent such unwanted guests from welcoming themselves. Birds can bring in dead leaves, branches, or shrubs to make a nest inside the chimney.

Sometimes, you might not even come across any signs. But this does not mean the chimney should not be checked. You should make it a habit and perform regular inspections to ensure the free exit of gases.

Check For Soot And Creosote Buildup

Another factor you need to consider in terms of chimney safety is soot and creosote buildup. If you did not know, the gas or wood-burning process in the fireplace produces toxic gases and fumes. These gases and fumes while exiting the chimney tend to stick to the walls as well.

Not only that, both soot and creosote are also byproducts and should be prevented from accumulating on the walls. In the initial stages, cleaning or removing the soot and creosote buildup can be easy but as time passes, it could become a lot more difficult as the buildup turns into rocks.

The problem with soot and creosote buildup is that it is highly flammable and can cause a fire. This is why it is extremely important to keep an eye on the inside of the chimney. Unless you have the tools and skills to deal with cleaning, you should consult a professional.

Check The Chimney Cap

A chimney itself has many parts like chimney crown, flue, cap, and others. A chimney cannot function properly without either of these components. One of them is the chimney cap. Although, it might look like a subtle component but plays a crucial role in protecting the structural integrity of the chimney.

The chimney cap has multiple roles such as protection against water, and animals and preventing sparks from escaping. Chimney caps tend to be rigid and tough components but with time become cracked or damaged due to wear and tear or extreme weather conditions.

You can perform a water test to see if your chimney cap is leaking water inside the chimney. If it does, it means the chimney cap needs replacement. Do not attempt to make temporary fixes to the cap as it will leak water and affect the structural strength of the chimney.

Fortunately, it is both an easy and a budget-friendly replacement. Make sure you opt for steel or some other material that can withstand the test of time.

Check For Unusual Odors

Chimneys are made using brick and mortar that could also leak due to cracks or damage. These cracks allow both water and moisture to seep through, affecting the surrounding structure. If you notice brown, yellow, or white stains somewhere in the house on the walls, it means there is a water leakage or excess moisture.

At the same time, rust is another sign that there is a problem. Plus, if you notice a musty smell coming from the chimney, it means there is a water leakage. In such cases, you should consult a professional who can fix the issue so it doesn’t rear its head again for a considerable amount of time.

Keep in mind that prolonging the issue will only make things worse. It will leave the entire structure vulnerable and if the leakage happens to spread, it will require a major overhaul of the chimney, which is going to be expensive.

Check For Cracked Or Blocked Chimney Flue

A broken or blocked chimney flue is one of the most common reasons for chimney fires. While fallen leaves, bird nets, and other factors contribute to the issue, a partially or entirely blocked chimney flue will not be able to draft the smoke properly.

Plus, a damaged or blocked chimney flue can also cause carbon monoxide buildup in the house. It could be that carbon monoxide makes its way inside and results in unconsciousness. It is a serious concern because CO can be fatal for people inhaling it. As the dangerous gas is colorless and odorless, you should never risk the life of yourself and your family and always install a CO detector in your house if your have a fireplace, a furnace, or any other wood, gas, or oil operating appliance.

If you start to feel a bit dizzy regularly, you should check the chimney flue. If you are not able to identify the chimney flue or if it’s blocked or damaged, you might want to call chimney relining services Upper Marlboro. This issue must be fixed as soon as possible to prevent your family members from getting affected.

Ensure Professional Maintenance

Professional maintenance is key to ensuring your fireplace remains a safe spot for you and your family members to chill. You have to keep in mind that chimneys can be complicated things to deal with especially if they do not show any signs.

But you can prevent chimney issues by scheduling professional maintenance. The frequency of professional maintenance depends on the usage of the chimney. If the fireplace is used throughout the year, you will need to get it professionally checked at least twice a year.

In the meantime, you should keep an eye out for unusual and use the right type of wood to ensure creosote and soot buildup is minimal. And, if possible, try climbing the roof and taking a close inspection of the chimney components to make sure everything is intact.

Conclusion

Ensuring a chimney is safe to use quite easy. All you need to do is follow the tips mentioned above and you will be fine. Never ignore any unusual signs and never wait for them to go away on their own. Things can turn bad relatively quickly and you need to prevent that at all costs by performing regular inspections and maintenance. Plus, to keep the fireplace and chimney safe, schedule chimney cleaning by hiring chimney sweep services Ellicott City.