Chimney Care Company's Blog
Water & Your Chimney
The Damage that H20 Can Cause
According to Chimney Safety Institute of America water can do a lot to ruin your chimney. The damage is often not apparent to the naked eye until it the moisture has caused a great deal of damage. Chimney Care Co. want you to know if the health and safety of your household is at risk when neglected for certain periods of time. The functionality and performance of your fireplace and chimney is also dependent on how well they are cared for.
Water as the enemy.
Installing a properly fitted chimney cap can prevent most of the water from entering your chimney. Call us today for an appointment.
Weather plays a big part of a chimney’s deterioration. Winter and rainy days result to hastened damage of what most chimneys are made of except stone. Many construction materials contract during the freezing and melting process causing the materials more exposure to brittleness. We know what happens to metal when exposed to water for long periods of time as well. It rusts and eventually breaks. Wooden parts of fireplaces also deteriorate faster when experiencing weather changes.
A water leak found anywhere around the household is never a good thing. Whatever the source, once water leakage is involved the amount of damage can range from mild to severe. According to Jeff Del Guercio, who is president of the local National Association of Home Inspectors, “Water is probably the single most destructive force to a house, and a leak can go on for a long time without being noticed.”
If leaks are left unattended, it can lead not only to damaging effects on your household members’ health but can also cause mold and termite infestations. In the long run such exposure to water can cause chimneys to wear out and fall apart which in the end will call for more costly repairs.
The question is, how do we avoid or address water damage?
It is important to note that proper chimney inspections be done on a regular basis. It is best to consult experts when dealing with waterproofing your fireplace. Of course this is a good preventive measure. It may cost you more if you don’t take such measures and wait until it’s totally damaged. Schedule an appointment and inquire now. People more knowledgeable will be more than thrilled to guide you through the process.
Why Does My Chimney Stink?
Stinky chimney problem? Hold your breath no more! Call us and say goodbye to that stench in your chimney.
Chimney odor problems may be attributed to a variety of different things, the most notable of which come from creosote deposits — a natural byproduct of burning wood — inside your chimney. The odors are usually worse in the summer when the humidity is high, on rainy days, and/or when your air conditioner is running. A visit from a CSIA-certified chimney sweep can help eradicate these unwelcome odors from your home!
The Root of the Problem Lies Beneath the Surface
Due to the nature of the porous masonry construction inside your chimney, creosote impregnates its smell deep beyond the masonry’s surface. A chimney sweep will remove the surface buildup of creosote to limit the possibility of a chimney fire; however, the odors that have absorbed into the masonry itself are still left behind. How can you keep the smell out of your house? The answer to this question should come as no surprise.
Don’t Let the Draft Problems get You Down
The real problem is air coming down the chimney, a symptom of overall pressure problems. Normally, as long as the draft is working correctly and there is no negative airflow in the home, the inherent smells will remain in the chimney. Upon closer inspection, in the event that your chimney has developed a drafting problem, the intruding air brings the chimney odors right along with it as it comes down your flue. It’s likely that your chimney is just the victim of a negative pressure problem. A quick solution to the negative air pressure issue is to simply crack a window at all times to let the pressure change through the window rather than the chimney.
Is Your Chimney’s Odor Putting a Damper on the Mood?
For a more permanent approach to keeping the smell that’s exuding from your chimney’s masonry inside the chimney and away from your nose, you need to limit the amount of air that’s able to come down your chimney and into your house in the first place. Closing your throat damper is a good start, however, the metal-on-metal closure here is anything but airtight. A top-sealing damper can help to minimize the airflow and accompanying unpleasant odors from coming down your chimney. In addition to limiting the airflow problems, the top-sealing damper will keep rainwater and moisture out as well.
There’s never a bad time to have your chimney inspected. Chimney sweeps are available year round to inspect and clean your entire chimney system. Why allow these smells to become a problem if you don’t have to? As soon as you first notice unpleasant odors coming from your fireplace, contact the chimney professionals at The Chimney Care Company right away. To schedule an appointment, please give us a call at 513-248-9600 or fill out our online appointment request form. We appreciate your business and look forward to helping you keep your family safe and warm for years to come!