Most purchasers consider a fireplace to be a desirable feature when looking for a new home. These luxuries offer an extra touch of architectural vibrancy to a home, and they come in very handy, especially during winter.
When winter arrives, the temperature can get uncomfortably cold. The last thing you want to learn, especially if you live in Connecticut, is that your fireplace isn’t working properly. However, many of the most common fireplace issues can be easily detected and fixed.
Read on to learn about the most common fireplace problems for fireplaces.
Closed Damper
A closed damper could be the source of your trouble if you don’t know how to run a fireplace. A metal plate that sits between your chimney and fireplace is known as a damper. It stops smoke from escaping through the chimney when it is closed. As a result, before igniting a fire, make sure your damper is entirely open.
Brickwork Problems
When a chimney is old, it might have major structural issues. Brickwork problems can cause things like tilting, crumbling, and instability. These types of structural issues usually emerge when moisture gets into the fireplace.
Obstruction
Leaves, animal nests, and fallen branches are just some of the things that might hinder the flow of air via a chimney. Whatever is causing the obstruction, it is preventing smoke from exiting the chimney. The smoke can be drawn back into the house if the obstacle is airtight. This has the potential to be life-threatening. Carbon monoxide is one of the silent killers that can enter your house. Every year, carbon monoxide from chimneys kills about twenty individuals.
Creosote
Creosote is a tar and carbon mixture produced when you burn wood in your fireplace. It’s deposited in the lining of the flue. When this lining isn’t cleaned, the condition might become dangerous. Because creosote is flammable, it can lead to a fire if it overflows.
Fractures In the Chimney Lining
The chimney lining collects creosote, and the moisture might enter the chimney through a fracture in the lining. As a result, the lining deteriorates rapidly. It would help if you solved this as soon as possible because the liner protects the flammable sections of the home from fire.
Fractures In the Chimney Crown
Moisture cannot enter your chimney because of the chimney crown. They also keep debris out, but if water can get in through a break in the crown, it will cause damage to the structural stability of the entire fireplace. To avoid this situation, you should check for cracks regularly.
Incorrect Fitting Of The Fireplace
Every fireplace comes with detailed installation instructions that must be followed. If your fireplace isn’t working and you installed it yourself, it’s possible that the installation is to blame for the functionality issues you’re having. The wisest choice is to have a skilled professional assess the installation.
If you notice any of these signs in your chimney, call up CT Chimney Repair for immediate help. Our chimney repair and chimney sweep can help you in Connecticut. We also offer fireplace reconstruction and residential masonry services. Get in touch with us to know more.
