Our Company Blog

Fireplace and Chimney Tips When Buying a Home

For homebuyers, a fireplace can be one of the most important features in a new home. Many people will not even consider a new home without a fireplace. However, it is very important to be sure the chimney and fireplace system works safely and efficiently before you sign the contract to buy the home. While there are certain things you can look out for, you need a professional chimney inspection to be absolutely certain the system has no hidden dangers. In fact, modern fire safety codes from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) require that a Level 2 chimney inspection take place for real estate transactions. Atlas Chimney has years of experience in providing all three of the NFPA’s levels of chimney inspections, and we can check out the chimney in any house you wish to buy. You can trust us to give you an honest assessment of the condition of the chimney and fireplace. We would like to tell you some other things you should be on the lookout for when you are shopping for a new home.

Check out the firebox.

One of the parts of a fireplace and chimney system that you can closely examine is the firebox, or the interior of the fireplace. According to HouseLogic, you should be looking for any cracks, gaps, or other signs of wear in the firebox’s lining. If the steel body of the firebox is visible through any part of the lining, you will need Atlas Chimney to professionally repair the firebox to prevent excessive heat from causing damage to the home.

Look for smoke stains.

If you see smoke stains on the ceiling of the room where the fireplace is, there could be cracks or gaps between the hearth and the firebox that are allowing smoke to escape. This is a common problem in older homes caused by the hearth settling. You may also find smoke stains above the fireplace opening, which is a sign of a damaged damper. Atlas Chimney can easily solve both of these problems.

Notice the size of the fireplace grate.

You do not want a grate that is more than two-thirds of the size of the fireplace opening. Why does the size of the fireplace grate matter? If your grate is too large, you may add too much wood to the fireplace, which will cause oversized fires that can overheat the fireplace. This problem is easily solved by replacing the grate with a smaller one.

The most important thing to ensure the fireplace and chimney system in a new home is safe is to schedule a professional chimney inspection. Contact us at Atlas Chimney to arrange an appointment today.

Why a Chimney Cap Is Necessary

In order for your chimney and fireplace system to work efficiently and safely, you need to be sure that all of its components are in place. One of these components is a chimney cap, which is essential for several reasons. For over 25 years, Atlas Chimney has been working on chimneys in the Austin, Texas area, and we have seen many uncapped chimneys. We frequently repair chimney damage that would have been prevented if the chimney had been capped. Why are chimney caps so necessary? We would like to share with you the important functions of a chimney cap so that you can understand why it is such an essential part of your chimney and fireplace system.

KEEPS WATER OUT OF YOUR CHIMNEY

According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), a chimney cap is the most budget-friendly way to prevent water from getting into your chimney. Without a chimney cap on the top of your chimney, your roof has an open hole that easily allows water from rain and melted snow to enter the chimney. Our CSIA-certified chimney technicians can professionally install a chimney cap that will keep water out of your chimney.

PREVENTS WILD ANIMALS FROM GETTING INTO YOUR CHIMNEY

When birds, squirrels, raccoons, and other wild animals are looking for a nesting spot, they often mistake chimneys for trees. To keep these critters from getting into your chimney, you need to have a good quality chimney cap with metal mesh sides installed on top of your chimney. These mesh sides will prevent wild animals from being able to enter your chimney.

STOPS HOT SPARKS AND EMBERS FROM JUMPING OUT OF THE CHIMNEY

The metal mesh sides that keep birds, squirrels, raccoons, and other wild animals from getting into your chimney also stop hot sparks and embers from jumping out of your chimney. This reduces your risk of experiencing an accidental fire being ignited on your roof or in your yard.

IMPROVES CHIMNEY DRAFT

Having problems with your chimney draft? Atlas Chimney can help you correct these issues with a chimney cap that has vents on its sides that direct how wind flows into your chimney. This type of cap improves your chimney draft by directing the wind to help pull exhaust gases and smoke out of your home.

As you can see, a chimney cap plays a significant role in how your chimney and fireplace system works. Contact us at Atlas Chimney to learn more about our chimney cap sales and installation services.