Having a working fireplace in your home will not only make your living space cozy, but it is great for aesthetics, too. It can be a beautiful addition both inside and outside the home.
The key, however, is to properly maintain it and, when necessary, renovate it. This ensures that it is working properly while providing the right amount of ventilation and safely releasing combustion by-products.
While it is always recommended that you allow professionals to address your chimney, below is some expert guidance to help you stay safe and enjoy everything your chimney has to offer.
The Parts of Your Chimney
Before you can even begin to look out for the health of your chimney, you need to have a basic understanding of its main components. After all, there is much more to it than what you can visibly see. Taking the time to understand how your chimney works can help when it comes to finding solutions to common problems.
The Chimney Crown
The crown of the chimney is located outdoors at the very top of your chimney. This is in place to keep anything from entering the chimney and making its way into your home, especially moisture from rain or snow. The crown always works well to keep debris and soot out, too.
The Flue and Flue Lining
The chimney flue is how exhaust gases are released out of the home. This vertical space releases the smoke out of the top of the chimney — outside of your home. The lining is found along the inner walls and cannot be seen from the outside due to masonry. Its purpose is to provide an extra layer of protection.
The Smoke Chamber
The smoke chamber is above the firebox, the area where your wood is burning. It has an upside-down funnel shape and is designed in a way that will pull the smoke toward the chimney and out of the house. When functioning properly it will prevent smoke from entering into your home.
The Chimney Damper
The chimney damper is located just above the smoke chamber. It consists of sealed doors that are manually activated using a level. This controls the airflow, releasing the smoke and by-products from the fireplace, through the smoke chamber, into the chimney, and out of the house.
When not in use, the damper remains shut so that it can reduce drafts and energy loss.
The Smoke Shelf
The smoke shelf is just one more layer of protection to keep smoke out of your home. It can be found between the firebox and the chamber — perfectly located to catch any outside debris and discourage smoke from leaking into your living space.
Routine Chimney Maintenance
Have your chimney inspected every year.
The risk of fire is very real when you use a chimney that is not properly maintained. This is why it is highly recommended that you have your chimney professionally inspected every year.
While you may want to do your own inspection of the chimney from time to time, bringing in professionals to maintain it and address any issues as they arise is the safest way to be able to comfortably enjoy your fireplace.
Common Problems With Chimney Masonry
Whether you use it every evening or once a year, there are a few common problems that impact the health of a chimney.
Leaking Water
Discovering water or moisture coming from your chimney is never a good sign. Though there are a few possible entry points, such as:
A cracked or broken chimney crown
Faulty chimney caps
Cracks in the chimney mortar and bricks
Failing or damaged flashing at the base of the chimney
Not only can this leaky mess lead to mold issues, but it can also be the downfall of your chimney. Here’s why —
When water penetrates the chimney and comes in contact with the black residue (creosote) found within it, it can become very acidic. As a result, the damper may rust and the masonry work may begin to deteriorate much faster than it should.
Routine inspections will reduce this risk.
Cracks
When your chimney mortar or bricks have cracks, it becomes a fire hazard. The reason for this is that the chimney is designed to carry out the smoke and waste that comes from having a fire burning.
If in good shape, it works smoothly and effectively. Unfortunately, if there are cracks present, a buildup of creosote can make its way into them. This is flammable and it only takes one spark to put you at risk.
A chimney should always be checked closely for cracks.
Chimney Deterioration
Over time, the structural integrity of your chimney may become compromised for one reason or another — commonly due to its exposure to harsh outdoor weather conditions. Bricks, stones, and mortar can all begin to erode, crack, or deteriorate.
When your chimney mortar or bricks has cracks, then water seeps into your home’s roof and walls.A small investment in re-pointing and repairing chimney masonry can save structural repair of the roof and walls of your home.
This can lead to cracks, water penetration, and more. Inspecting and repairing these issues is vital for a safe, healthy chimney.
Repairing or Renovating Your Chimney with Green Lady
Whether inspecting, repairing, or renovating your chimney, it always helps to hire professionals.
At Green Lady Masonry & Drainage Solutions, we understand just how crucial it is to have a solid, structurally sound chimney to protect both your home and your family. That is why we take the time to ensure everything is functioning properly and all issues are addressed, whether we are just making a repair or a full renovation.
Green Lady has been a trusted partner throughout the communities in Northern Virginia. Let us bring you the perfect combination of warmth and peace of mind.
Contact us today.