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chimney
and fireplace maintenance
Chimney and Fireplace Maintenance
For those of you that own a fireplace,
it is extremely important that you keep up with chimney
maintenance. Special care is required to ensure that smoke
and flue gases are properly vented. It is important to keep
your fireplace safe by having a professional inspection
and cleaning at least once a year.
Keep in mind, the main purpose of a chimney
is to vent the products of combustion from your home. The
products of combustion contain hazardous and noxious gasses,
including carbon monoxide. Inadequate venting can lead to
a spread of carbon monoxide. In adequate venting is usually
the result of a blocked flue, but carbon monoxide can also
come into your home through cracks in the flue as well.
It is a good idea to have working carbon monoxide detectors
in your house for extra safety.
Regular cleaning is extremely necessary
as a protection against carbon monoxide, but also for the
removal of creosote. Creosote is a hard tar-like substance
that accumulates in chimneys and can ignite and cause a
chimney fire if not maintained. The amount of creosote that
accumulates depends on the design of the fireplace, the
types of fires you make, and the chimney.
There are certain things that a homeowner
can do to check on the condition of their fireplace and
chimney. For example, with masonry fireplaces it is always
a good idea to check for loose brick and cracks. With metal,
keep an eye out for corrosion, bending and stains. On all
fireplaces, check for leaks, chipping paints and pealing
wallpaper. Also, be sure to check for chimney caps. Caps
will keep water, small animals and debris from getting into
your chimney.
Although you may be able to save yourself
money by keeping a good eye on the condition of your fireplace,
you must also invest in a professional inspection to ensure
optimal performance and safety. Professional sweeps will
check for signs of deterioration or weakness. They will
typically run you anywhere from $70 to $140, depending upon
location and how much work needs to be done. Make sure that
you get the furnace flue cleaned at the same time that you
get your chimney cleaned.
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