Do you live in an older home? Did it come with a fireplace? If so, there are many reasons why you should be a little wary of using your chimney. The regulations for fireplaces and chimneys have become a lot more thorough in recent decades. Therefore, the safety standards just weren’t up to par in a lot of homes built a long time ago.
Keeping your home and family safe is important! This is why you should always have your chimney and fireplace inspected at least once per year, no matter the age of your home. Are you concerned about the age of your chimney and brickwork? If so, there are a few precautions you should take into mind.
Is It Lined?
One of the biggest problems with older homes is that the chimneys often come unlined. Chimney liners weren’t always such a priority, so many fireplaces were built without them. If you don’t have a liner, you leave yourself vulnerable to a lot of issues and dangerous situations. Keep reading to learn more about why unlined chimneys put you at risk.
The CSIA lists three main things that chimney liners do. One thing they do is protect the surrounding woodwork and framing from catching fire. Another is protect the brickwork and mortar from deteriorating at a quicker pace. The gases and toxins that float up your chimney get soaked into your brick and wear it down fast when there is nothing there to protect it!
The last thing chimney liners do is allow your appliance to run as efficiently as possible. They prevent creosote and other nasty debris from building up and eating away at the inside of your chimney. In addition, they also help direct all of the smoke and other fumes safely out and away from your home.
Is The Brickwork Holding Up?
Older homes have faced a lot more years of bad weather, snow, and rain than homes that were built more recently. For this reason, the brickwork may be a bit more worn down than you may realize. The more the brickwork is exposed to water, the faster it will deteriorate and form more problems, such as clogs, rot, rust, and more!
From time to time, masonry needs to be patched up, and any cracks or holes that have formed need to be filled in. If your brickwork needs some care, turn to Mason’s Chimney Service today and ask about our tuckpointing services! Matching up the mortar to the materials used in older homes can be tricky, but we are up to the challenge and are confident we can make your home look great again.
Any Blockages?
If you have just moved into your home, you will definitely want to schedule an inspection before putting your fireplace to use. A certified chimney sweep will be able to look things over and ensure everything is good to go before you light any fires. A major problem chimneys face after long periods of not being used is blockages. Birds and other critters like to nest and bring in all types of leaves, twigs, grass, and more. Be sure to have your chimney inspected and swept once a year to ensure your home stays safe.
For more information on all that Mason’s Chimney Service can do for you, call today!