Homeowners' Guide to Chimney Maintenance

Nothing is better than snuggling up by the fire on a cold winter night. The chimney has a crucial role since it directs smoke away from the home. Regular chimney maintenance is essential for the chimney to function properly. Below are some basic tips for chimney maintenance.

Regularly Inspect and Clean Your Chimney

Ideally, you should clean and inspect your chimney at least once a year. This will help prevent chimney fires or carbon monoxide poisoning. Having your chimney inspected by a professional is vital. Inspections are performed from top to bottom, looking for damage or anomalies. With a proper examination, you can ensure your family's safety and prevent costly repairs.

Invest in a Flue Liner

Flue liners protect the interior walls from heat exposure and corrosion. Different types of liners are available, such as clay tiles. Their affordability and ability to work well in open fireplaces make them the most common. The cost of a typical unit can be as low as $10, plus the cost of installation. However, the tiles do not absorb and disperse heat efficiently during a fire.

Another option used to replace or repair chimneys is stainless-steel flue liners. These liners are safer and more durable than other options. However, they may be more expensive. You can also use lightweight, cement-like cast-in-place liners. No matter what type you choose, make sure it fits properly on your smokestack.

Add a Chimney Cap

The chimney cap protects the flue from moisture, debris, and animals. Some chimney caps feature spark guards to contain embers. Vents without caps are vulnerable to the elements, such as heavy rain or snowfall. In addition, leaves can block your flue, causing carbon monoxide to back up. 

Use the Right Wood

In your fireplace, you should only burn seasoned firewood. Wood of this kind has been dried for a long period of time and is less than 20% moist. Moisture content affects how fast the fire burns and how much smoke is produced. Also, mold is more likely to spread.

Inspect Your Bricks

The bricks and mortar of your chimney should be checked for signs of crumbling. Any weakness in the foundation can lead to expensive repairs. It will be necessary to replace the damaged bricks and repoint the mortar.

It is likely that you will need to hire a specialist with expertise in masonry and/or foundations to handle this. To find the right company, ask your friends and family for referrals, do your research, and talk to contractors.

Buy Smoke Detectors

Keep your family safe with smoke detectors. Choose a device that automatically calls the fire department if there is an emergency. Carbon monoxide detectors are also recommended. It can be difficult to detect carbon monoxide on your own since it is odorless. Make sure to test your smoke detectors regularly and replace any old batteries.

Give Restoration of Lake Havasu a call today if your home has been damaged by smoke or fire.