Curling up in front of a fireplace or wood-burning stove on a cold Winter evening provides just the boost of heat and atmosphere Dayton families enjoy. Most families, however, don’t understand the important role your chimney plays in your family’s safety.
Basic chimney maintenance is critical.
Your chimney is the part of your home’s heating system which exhausts fumes from your fireplace, furnace, and water heater.
What problems occur from improper chimney maintenance?
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is the product of incomplete burning–be it gas or wood. This toxic poison is odorless, tasteless, and invisible. Carbon monoxide which builds up in the blood causes illness, or death. Around 4.000 people a year die from carbon monoxide poisoning.
A properly working chimney vents carbon monoxide and other products of combustion safely away.
Chimney Fire
Fire produces smoke. Smoke builds up over time, It forms a gummy black film called creosote. While the materials which make up a chimney won’t burn, creosote is highly flammable.
Unknown to a homeowner, small fires may occur over and over in a chimney. These small fires weaken the wall of the chimney over time. Eventually, a major chimney fire may occur damaging the home and putting lives at risk.
Know the symptoms of a chimney fire:
- loud, popping or cracking sound
- dense smoke
- intense hot smell
- low rumbling sound
A serious chimney fire may not be detected inside the home. Flames may be drawn up the chimney and seen only by passersby outside. Chimney fires may smolder until an entire wall suddenly bursts into flame.
Premature Chimney Failure
Most chimneys are reliably constructed and can function for years if properly maintained. However, from time to time, the tucking/pointing and chimney masonry may fail and require professional repair.
The wire mesh used to stop birds, squirrels, and animals from nesting in the chimney may fail.
Lifestyle Comfort Solutions recommends regular professional chimney maintenance for your family’s comfort, health, and safety.
