So which is right, and does everyone need to get their chimney cleaned and inspected, even if the chimney is hardly used at all? The following information can help you decide what the right answer is for you. Increasing the draft in your chimney is like opening the faucet wider on the hose. The simplest way to increase the draft in your chimney is to burn the fire hotter – hotter air is lighter, so it has more pull.
If your home is sealed so tight that air can’t be pulled into the fireplace, you may not be able to get a strong fire burning unless you open a window. For major chimney masonry repairs or structural concerns, it is advisable to seek the expertise of a professional chimney mason. Attempting complex repairs without the necessary skills and knowledge can lead to further damage and pose safety risks. Cracks in the brickwork are one of the most visible and recognizable signs of chimney masonry damage. They can appear as horizontal, vertical, or stair-step patterns on the exterior surface of the chimney.
Where to Find a Chimney Sweeping Company
If it has too many gaps where air flows in and out, your home can begin to operate like a chimney, pulling the warm air up to the attic and pushing it out. This type of energy inefficiency can result in very high energy costs. The following are things that can also affect the chimney draft, in addition to the hot air from fires.
Why You Must Clean Your Chimney
Clay chimney liners are an affordable way to line a masonry chimney, but they can be damaged very easily. You can prevent soot build-up from wreaking havoc on your chimney by having it cleaned and regularly inspected by a licensed professional. To do this, you’ll need to light some newspaper and hold it up inside the chimney damper. You’ll know the flue is warm and the draft has been established once you feel the air being pulled up the chimney. A closed chimney damper will prevent air from flowing freely up through the chimney, causing smoke from the fire to spill back into your living area. I know that the TV has become the center of the house, but in the old days it used to be the fireplace.
Defective mortar joints or the use of improper mortar or brick can greatly increase the tendency to absorb and convey water to the interior of the masonry chimney. The current position of the controls (cable, rod, handle, etc) can help you determine if the damper is open or closed as long as you’re familiar with the chimney and its controls. If you find yourself in an unfamiliar house, it’s best to perform a visual check after looking at the control position. Start by identifying what kind of damper is in your chimney if you’re wondering if it’s open or closed. Chimney installation costs vary widely depending on location, cost of living, and the complexity of your roof, chimney, and fireplace.
