A well-maintained chimney keeps your home warm, beautiful and safe. However, it must be cleaned and inspected regularly to prevent hazards like chimney fires and carbon monoxide leaks.
A professional chimney sweep removes dangerous creosote buildup, a sticky, tar-like byproduct of wood burning that is highly flammable and the leading cause of chimney fires. A combined sweep and inspection also detects blockages and deterioration that may require repairs. Contact Chimney Care Charleston for professional help.
When a wood fire burns, it releases byproducts that rise through the fireplace and stove pipes. These byproducts, including the oils and organic compounds, are often carried into the chimney system where they condense on the flue walls. These creosote deposits are dangerous because they’re highly flammable. Moreover, if left untreated, they can become sticky and drippy like tar. The best way to avoid these dangers is to have a professional chimney sweep clean your chimney regularly.
As the winter season approaches, homeowners are preparing their fireplaces and wood burning stoves for the cold weather. However, many people are unaware that there is a hidden danger inside their flues: creosote buildup.
Creosote is a black or brown tar-like combustion byproduct that sticks to the inside walls of the chimney and wood burning fireplace or stove pipes. This residue can appear crusty or flaky, drippy and sticky like tar, or shiny and hardened to the surface. Regardless of its appearance, creosote is dangerous because it’s flammable.
A heavy creosote buildup is a serious chimney fire hazard. If it becomes too thick and hot, the creosote can block the flue and prevent smoke from venting. Moreover, the flammable substance can quickly ignite combustible materials around the fireplace or wood stove and potentially spread the fire to other parts of the home.
Chimney fires can be difficult to detect because they’re usually silent. However, if you notice smoke pouring out of your fireplace or hear loud roaring noises coming from the chimney, call a CSIA-certified chimney sweep right away.
During a chimney cleaning, a professional can remove the loose creosote deposits and ensure the flue is clear of restrictions. However, it’s impossible to completely prevent the formation of new creosote. When left untreated, creosote can harden to stage three, which appears as a chunky, tar-like coating on the chimney walls. It’s highly flammable and requires chemical treatment or special rotary chain whips to remove.
It’s important to have your chimney and wood burning appliances inspected, cleaned, and waterproofed regularly. Moisture can weaken the structure of your chimney, cause mold and rot in the chase, and leak into your home through the chimney system. Waterproofing the exterior of your chimney and sealing any leaks in the chase, crown, and flashing can help protect your chimney and reduce moisture problems.
Water Damage
Chimneys are exposed to the elements on a daily basis, and just like any other part of your home, it can experience some serious water damage if not properly cared for. Water damage isn’t just a nuisance, it can actually compromise the structural integrity of your home and create a breeding ground for toxic mold.
Luckily, there are several signs you can watch for that indicate your chimney is leaking. One of the most obvious is a damp chimney. Whether the moisture comes from your chimney’s flue or your firebox, it should be dealt with as quickly as possible. Damp chimneys can leak into the walls and ceiling, which is not only unsightly but also presents a health hazard for some people who are sensitive to mold.
Another sign of a chimney leak is if you see stains on the ceiling or walls near your fireplace. These stains are caused by water seeping through the brick and into your home. As the water collects, it freezes and expands, creating larger voids in the brick that can eventually lead to structural problems with your chimney.
Leaks may also occur if your chimney crown or cap is leaking. The crown is a slab of mortar or cement at the top of your chimney, and it acts as a barrier to rainwater. The flashing is a metal strip that connects your roof and chimney, and it allows the two dissimilar materials to expand and contract at different rates without breaking the waterproof seal. If your flashing is leaking or damaged, it needs to be replaced right away.
Water damage can also happen if your chimney’s masonry is deteriorating. This is the most serious problem that can occur if water is allowed to penetrate your chimney’s structure, and it is one of the most costly to fix. The masonry of your chimney is made of brick, stone, and mortar, which all easily absorb water. Water that is allowed to get into a brick chimney can cause it to crack and crumble, resulting in expensive repairs.
Chimney leaks are often caused by deteriorating mortar joints. When the mortar on the outside of your chimney begins to break down due to exposure to weather elements, it becomes more absorbent and wicks moisture into your chimney. The most common repair for deteriorating mortar joints is called tuckpointing, and it involves cutting out old mortar and replacing it with new mortar that has been properly shaped to direct water away from the joint. A waterproofing sealant should also be applied to your chimney stack to help prevent future water damage.
Deterioration
A chimney plays a vital role in a home, ensuring the safe removal of combustion gases and facilitating proper ventilation for heating systems. However, a chimney can deteriorate over time, leading to significant safety and structural damage. Understanding the prevalent factors that contribute to a chimney’s deterioration can help homeowners and property managers adopt proactive approaches that uphold the longevity and functionality of these essential architectural features.
One of the most obvious signs that a chimney is deteriorating is the presence of loose or crumbling bricks. This shedding of mortar and brick is often a signal that the chimney’s structure has become compromised by moisture penetration, and prompt repair is required to avoid further structural deterioration. Additionally, a chimney that is showing signs of moisture penetration can experience a number of other issues, including the appearance of white, chalky residue on its exterior surface, called efflorescence. This phenomenon occurs when soluble solutions from within the chimney’s masonry penetrate its exterior and evaporate, leaving behind a salt residue on its exterior surface.
A deteriorating chimney may also show signs of cracking or gapping. These issues are a result of repeated freezing and thawing cycles that cause the mortar joints to erode, resulting in brick degradation. Chimney professionals can restore cracked and deteriorating mortar by using a technique called tuck-pointing, which involves replacing the old damaged mortar with fresh mortar.
Another common sign that a chimney is deteriorating is its leaning or shifting inward or outward toward or away from the house. This issue, which can also lead to foundation problems, requires immediate professional attention to prevent further structural damage and a possible chimney collapse that could threaten the safety of the home’s occupants.
A deteriorating chimney can also have rusting metal components, such as the damper and firebox, which can compromise the structure’s integrity. A rusted damper can fail to open or close during a fire, while a rusted firebox can allow cold air to enter the home and make it difficult to start a fire. Water stains on walls or ceilings near the chimney and musty odors are additional indicators that a chimney is in need of repair or replacement.
Safety
The chimney and flue that lines it adds architectural interest to a home, but its real purpose is to carry dangerous gases from the fireplace, wood stove or furnace safely outside. If this system becomes dirty or damaged, it can lead to fire hazards and a host of other problems. Chimney fires can damage structures and cause property loss. They can also send toxins such as carbon monoxide into the house. Annual chimney maintenance and regular inspections prevent these problems and help protect the home and family.
Understanding the anatomy of the chimney and conducting pre-winter chimney inspections is the first step in preventing common chimney issues. Chimneys are made of a variety of materials, and each type requires specific chimney care to stay in top condition.
A basic chimney structure consists of a crown, a chimney cap and a liner. The chimney crown acts as a cover for the top of the chimney, protecting it from water damage and keeping debris and animals out. The chimney cap keeps rain, snow and animals from entering the flue, while the chimney liner ensures that toxic byproducts of combustion do not corrode or otherwise damage the masonry of the chimney.
Regular chimney sweepings remove soot and creosote from the chimney walls, decreasing the risk of fire and allowing smoke to flow freely through the fireplace. It’s important to burn dry, seasoned wood in order to minimize creosote buildup. Avoid burning juniper, pine, and redwood, which create more smoke and add excess moisture to the creosote in the chimney flue.
Lastly, a fireplace screen keeps children and pets from falling or getting into the fireplace. It also prevents them from hiding plastic toys or stuffed animals in or near the fireplace and potentially setting those items on fire. It’s a good idea to teach young children about fireplace safety and have a family fire escape plan in case of an emergency.
Taking the proper precautions when cleaning the chimney and performing routine maintenance is crucial for fireplace and chimney safety. It’s vital to have the right cleaning equipment, such as a chimney brush and rods. It’s also essential to wear protective clothing, including gloves, goggles and a dust mask to limit exposure to harmful particles and fumes.
