Is My Chimney Healthy?
To be at its healthiest state, your chimney needs regular maintenance. Dangerous hazards can lurk within neglected chimneys without you even realizing it, which is why national fire safety organizations like the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommend that homeowners have their chimneys professionally swept and inspected at least once a year. For over 25 years, Atlas Chimney has been working on the chimneys of the residents of the Austin area, and we know the signs of an unhealthy chimney. We would like to share with you these signs to help you know more about the health status of your chimney.
CREOSOTE BUILDUP
When you have a wood-burning fireplace or stove, creosote is a fact of life. Formed naturally during the combustion process of burning wood, creosote sticks to the inner walls of a chimney and can accumulate into large deposits over the winter. The biggest problem with creosote is that it is highly flammable. The CSIA names creosote as a leading cause of chimney fires. The only way to remove creosote buildup is a professional chimney sweeping. The CSIA-certified chimney sweeps from Atlas Chimney will be sure to get rid of all of the creosote deposits to reduce your risk of a chimney fire.
CRACKED OR MISSING BRICKS AND MORTAR JOINTS
Have you noticed loose or missing bricks from the exterior of your chimney? Masonry materials are naturally porous and suffer from erosion damage over the years. The holes and gaps left from deteriorated bricks and mortar joints allow water to easily enter your chimney to create even more damage. Ignoring cracked, loose, and missing bricks and mortar joints can lead to serious structural problems. Atlas Chimney can replace damaged bricks and mortar to restore the health of your chimney.
FLUE BLOCKAGES
As Atlas Chimney inspects your chimney, we look for damage and other potential problems, such as flue blockages. Debris like broken bricks, leaves, sticks, animal nests, and soot can block the exit of your chimney to create a dangerous hazard. The toxic gases of combustion will not be able to escape and will be forced back into your home, and this could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Our CSIA-certified chimney sweeps will remove the blockage, which will make your chimney healthy again.
Be sure your chimney is healthy before fall. Contact us at Atlas Chimney to schedule an appointment for your annual chimney sweeping and inspection today.