Expert Chimney Care Services in National City
When you choose to have a chimney built in your home, it’s important to make sure that your builder takes the chimney damage precautions necessary to prevent them from happening. Here’s what you need to know about common chimney damages, plus strategies to avoid them.
Signs of a Damaged Chimney Crown
If you have a chimney, one of the most important things to be aware of is signs of damage to the crown. This is the area where the chimney and flue meet the roof line, and it’s one of the most common areas to develop damage.
Signs that your chimney crown may be damaged include missing or crumbling mortar, cracking across the surface, or water pooling in certain areas when it rains. The best way to avoid these issues is to properly maintain your chimney by sealing any cracks and cracks regularly inspecting for signs of damage. If you notice any problems, contact a professional as soon as possible so they can make repairs before more serious damage occurs.
Warning Signs of a Hazardous Flue Liner
You need to keep an eye on your chimney’s flue liner. A flue liner is a clay, ceramic, or metal tube that lines the interior of the chimney and helps protect it from heat and corrosion. If you notice any smoke in the room when using your fireplace or if there are any visible gaps or cracks in your flue liner, this could indicate that it’s damaged, and you should get it fixed immediately. Not doing so could cause a dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide and other hazardous fumes, leading to potential illness or even death.
To avoid this, take the time to inspect your flue liner once a year and replace it if necessary. Also make sure to routinely clean out your chimney in order to get rid of creosote—a highly flammable residue—as well as any birds’ nests or debris that might have made its way inside. Prevention is key here; taking these simple steps can help ensure that your chimney is safe and functioning properly throughout the winter months!
519 K Ave, National City, CA 91950
Keeping Animals, Birds and Pests Out of Your Chimney
This is especially important in winter, when birds, rodents, and other animals may consider seeking shelter in your chimney. To keep them out, it’s essential that you cover the top of your chimney with a wire mesh cap or a spark arrestor. These caps will allow the smoke to escape but prevent animals from entering. Also make sure that the edges and corners of the chimney are well sealed, as this is where animals may enter.
Along with keeping animals out, use chimney caps or screens to avoid any corrosion due to rainwater. You can easily clean these often as they are easy to remove. Additionally, get your flue inspected and cleaned annually by a certified professional – this will ensure that all debris and dust from the previous year has been safely removed from your chimney.
Call Mr. Chimney Cleaning to book a service!
Be a smart chimney owner!
If you do suspect there is damage, don’t wait to call a professional. Waiting can cause further and more expensive damage, and it could also be dangerous.
The team at Mr. Chimney Cleaning are experienced professionals who can identify damages and help you create a preventative maintenance plan to keep your chimney safe and operational all winter long and well into the future.