If you’ve recently moved into an older home, you should definitely exercise some caution before lighting a fire. There’s no denying the charm that comes with the territory of old houses, but you should be warned that they do tend to have some issues with their chimneys that you ought to take into account. Today, we’re going to dive into some problems you should keep your eyes peeled for when dealing with older chimneys. You might need professional chimney repair!
Have you recently moved into an older home? If so, keep in mind these issues you may run into with your chimney.
Creosote Buildup
Really, this is something you should look out for all the time. But it is especially pertinent when moving into an older home. Creosote is a naturally occurring substance that results from the burning of wood. It can appear as a dark residue inside your chimney, and smells like ashy asphalt. If you notice this, get a professional chimney cleaning right away, as creosote buildup is one of the leading causes of chimney fires.
Damaged Mortar
In our area, older chimneys have withstood countless fluctuations in temperature of varying intensity. Maryland weather can be notoriously unpredictable, and all this freezing and thawing can take a toll on a chimney’s mortar and brickwork as the years go on. If the chimney has damaged mortar, then this becomes a new avenue for moisture to enter your chimney, which can lead to all manner of additional problems. Look into chimney repair right away.
Blockage
If a chimney has been around for many years, there’s a good chance that it was not always adequately protected by caps or dampers. This means all kinds of debris could have entered and formed an obstruction. Take note that it’s not just outside forms of debris like twigs and leaves that may be blocking the chimney; there’s also the risk of internal blockages, such as pieces of the flue liner, forming an obstruction.
Keep in mind that, without some examination, you don’t know how well your home’s previous owner maintained their chimney. It could have sat for many years without a single fire having been lit. Be proactive and make sure that it’s in working order before lighting a fire. If you know that you need chimney repair, sweeping, or just have any questions, you can count on us.
Call the Experts at Champion Chimneys for Chimney Repair and Sweeping Today!
Champion Chimneys, Inc. is a fully licensed, bonded, and insured chimney service company that has been serving customers in Baltimore County, Howard County, and Anne Arundel County, Maryland since 2001. Our team is trained and certified by Certified Chimney Professionals, Inc. (CCP, Inc.). Courteous service is our trademark, and our crews arrive on time in uniform, driving fully equipped trucks. We specialize in all aspects of your chimney system. Whether you need chimney and flue cleaning service or a full chimney rebuild or inspection, contact us at 443-Chimney today and let us fix all your chimney problems. Also, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.