A fireplace is one of the most enjoyable amenities of any home. A warm, comforting fire on a cold winter day makes your home feel wonderful. Before you use a fireplace, you need to make sure your chimney is in good repair. Like anything else around your home, a chimney requires maintenance. Its purpose is to draw the smoke out the flue and out of your home. An improperly maintained chimney can produce a dangerous situation in your home. Smoke damage or fire could occur if your chimney and flue aren’t functioning properly. Here are some common problems that will require services by a Chimney Sweep in Potomac.
Blockage in Chimney
If a chimney hasn’t been cleaned in a while, it can become blocked. This is usually due to debris inside the chimney. Sometimes birds and other animals will build their nest inside a chimney. This can cause your chimney to become blocked. If any type of blockage occurs, the smoke will not draw out of the chimney properly. The end result will be smoke coming out into your home instead of going up the chimney as it should. A Chimney Sweep in Potomac can remove these blockages and clean your chimney for you.
Masonry
Sometimes the masonry that keeps the brick or block work intact on a chimney can begin to deteriorate. When this happens, you will need to have the chimney repaired. The Masonry, Tuck Pointing design on the chimney may chip or crack. A chimney repair professional can fix this for you.
Creosote Buildup
Creosote, the oil produced when wood or other products are set on fire, can build up on the inside of your chimney. If there is excessive creosote buildup, your chimney could catch fire.
Those are just three of the most common problems that can occur with your chimney. Each of the problems mentioned can result in damage to the interior of your home. Having a chimney fully functional is essential if you are going to use your fireplace on a regular basis. If your chimney has not been inspected by a Chimney Sweep in Potomac, make sure it is done before you use the fireplace.
