subject: How To Get Your Chimney Repaired In Silver Spring [print this page] How To Get Your Chimney Repaired In Silver Spring
Fireplaces are superior to artificial heat as a means for warming your house because of their aesthetic appeal. The chimney's purpose is to draw out smoke from your fireplace. A chimney that's working properly can help you and your family stay warm and comfortable during winter. Don't wait till the cold sets in before you get it checked. Keep your chimney clean. If the smoke flows back from it in your house, suffocation or fires could result. To prevent these from happening, inspect it regularly. Other problems which can occur are cracked linings, buildup of creosote, and deteriorating mortar. Creosote is a byproduct of burning wood. Burn hardwoods like oak and maple rather than softwoods like pine or spruce to lessen its buildup. The original fire clay tile liners may crack. When this happens, these cracks open during the heating phase. They allow gases to pass through to the chimney walls. These gases are acidic and can spoil your house. They also lead to the accumulation of carbon monoxide in your home. Stainless steel chimney liners can help you overcome this problem. When the chimney crown undergoes years of weather abuse, the mortar deteriorates. This top base of a masonry chimney then lets water enter the chimney. It needs to then be replaced. Also clear the flue to let toxic exhaust gases escape. This is a pipe or duct which lets exhaust gases escape from the fireplace to the outdoors. It is important to get this done as blocked furnace flue is one reason why carbon monoxide poisoning happens. Sometimes small animals can get inside your chimney to stay warm. A professional repair man can remove them and install caps to keep them out. Consider installing an exhaust fan to correct draft and venting problems. These can work with wood burning and gas fireplaces. The firebox is the part where wood is used to make a fire. If the bricks here crack or their joints' mortar deteriorates, it must be rebuilt. Even if you don't use your fireplace often, don't neglect to have your chimney cleaned at least on an annual basis. Ask friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues for information about whom to call for chimney repair.
