A fireplace can be a beautiful centerpiece to a home, but the overwhelming consequences caused by not having routine maintenance done to your chimney are not so pleasant. It is recommended that you get a professional chimney sweep and basic inspections done once every year. Most homeowners do not understand that if they do not follow through with these recommendations, it could cause bigger issues later. One of the things impacted could be the air quality in your home.
Taking preventative measures like annual chimney inspections can save you lots of money and headache in the long run.
Many of the common and easy to fix problems start with the simple chimney sweep. The first is that until removed, creosotes and other particles will continue to build up inside of the chimney. This could lead to a draft problems by creating blockages. When you have a draft problem, the smoke from the fire cannot leave the chimney properly and then is forced back into your home. This air will contain chemicals such as Carbon Monoxide that could potentially be harmful to you and your family. In rare occasions, too much CO can lead to fatalities. Using different types of wood can also be helpful because they may produce less creosotes than others, so make sure you do all your research when buying firewood. Even though you may enjoy the smoky, outdoors smell, that is not a good thing to have in the home because it contains many of the particles found in creosotes. Make sure you have doors on the front of your fireplace to help air from flowing back into the room, and that the room is large enough to handle whatever may come back.
Another problem with not fixing problems in the chimney is that if you have cracks or places that water can collect mold can begin to form. This can cause a few spots, but if it spreads it can even go as far into the walls of your home and other parts of the foundation. These particles could then get to the vents and released into the home, not to mention the threat to the structural integrity of your home. Mold can cause many different kinds of health problems and is particularly bad for those with asthma or other respiratory issues. Reduce potential indoor pollution today by scheduling a certified sweep from Jack Pixley to alleviate these worries.