You may not think about your chimney after you’re done using it for the winter, but regular maintenance throughout the year can be beneficial. In fact, if you hire a chimney sweep in Roswell, GA, you may find it easier to get this project done in warmer weather. Whether you hire a professional or do it yourself, here are some of the things you should be looking for in the course of your chimney maintenance.
Cracks & Leaks
Any crack, no matter how small, can begin to erode the chimney over time. The crack will only get larger, and the chimney structure will start to lose its integrity. The chimney can start to deteriorate from the inside out. Bricks are one major source of cracks, and gaps between your flue tiles can leak noxious gases into your house. Either way, it’s easier to repair these early rather than trying to replace bricks or even a whole chimney later.
Obstructions
Another cause of toxic fumes is chimney obstruction. Your chimney might become obstructed from foreign objects like birds’ nests, but it might also be obstructed by a chimney draft if it’s not tall enough. Your chimney needs to be tall enough that the drafts carry the smoke away from the house.
Warping
As hot as it gets inside of your fireplace, it shouldn’t come as any surprise to learn that many chimneys will start to warp or buckle over time. Check the damper and the smoke chamber connector pipe for signs of distortion.
Creosote Buildup
Creosote, or soot, can easily catch fire in your chimney if you let it go unchecked for too long. For this reason, we suggest you contact a chimney sweep at least once a year to prevent a dirty chimney. There are actually three forms of creosote, but all of them can lead to fires. Since house fires spread quickly, do everything you can to prevent them from starting up in the first place.