The Importance of Maintaining Masonry Chimneys

Does your home have a masonry chimney? If so, there are many reasons why you should take the maintenance of this home addition seriously. Masonry chimneys should be inspected and repaired frequently. Many common issues come up with masonry chimneys that can either spread to other areas of a home or could cause complete failure of a chimney if not addressed soon enough. These are the most common reasons for maintaining a chimney and even more reasons why contacting a specialist like Wisconsin’s Chimney Specialists Inc. is essential for safety.

Fire Risks

A chimney that’s not maintained or cleaned regularly can be a safety hazard. Fireplaces and chimneys are known to have creosote build-up, which is a tar-like substance that sticks to the inner walls of your chimney. It can be hard to see from the outside, but a quick glimpse inside your fireplace will show the dark substance all around. When you burn wood, this is what comes from the smoke, and it is highly flammable, so you need to clean it frequently. This is the most common cause of house fires, and if you have not had this service done in a year or more, it is time to call in a professional chimney sweep.

Obstructions

There are many areas of your chimney that are prone to clogs and obstructions. Things that clog a chimney are leaves, limbs, and even bird and squirrel nests. An increase in organic debris also welcomes insects and other animals looking for respite. These obstructions can build up throughout the year and be completely unnoticeable (both inside and outside your home.) These are especially dangerous because they accumulate throughout the year when you’re not using the chimney to heat your home. When you need to use the fireplace, having a clog will send smoke and carbon monoxide back into your home. This is dangerous to your family’s health and should be taken care of at intervals throughout the year.

Other Repairs

Masonry chimneys are prone to cracks, leaks, and even foundation issues. Therefore, you should be prepared to periodically have a professional chimney inspection in order to avoid costly repairs. The trick to avoiding expensive repairs to your fireplace or chimney is to have a plan in place for periodic inspection and repair. Masonry mortar can peel or chip, exposing the bricks of your chimney to the elements. You can actually lose bricks to your chimney when the mortar isn’t repaired as well. Not only does this affect the chimney, but you can develop leaks directly into your home when these things are not working in unison.

Need Help?

The team at CSI can help you determine the maintenance program and chimney repair services your home needs. We want to keep you safe and your chimney efficient throughout the year. Give us a call today at 608-929-4887 to schedule a chimney inspection. We offer everything from repair to replacement, and we hope to be your partner in the chimney and fireplace business.