When it comes to chimney fires, you may assume you would know if you had one. Fires tend to be loud, hot, and bright, so, should one occur, it would be obvious, right? Not necessarily!Many fireplace owners discover a chimney fire has happened well after the fact, with no knowledge of it ever occurring. Chimney fires are terrible for the health of your chimney and can lead to extensive damage down the line. They greatly weaken the structure of your entire fireplace and call for immediate action, as far as repairs. A certified sweep can let you know the best steps to take for moving forward and getting your fireplace back to where it needs to be.If you are worried that you have had a chimney fire, but aren’t sure what signs to look for, check out these clues that may indicate a fire has occurred.
Deformed/Excess Creosote
Generally speaking, creosote is not good for the health of your chimney and, the more of it there is, the higher your risk is for a chimney fire. This substance is highly flammable, which is why having a professional clean it out on a regular basis is so important.Inspecting the creosote in your chimney can help you decipher whether or not a chimney fire has occurred. If the creosote is puffy-looking or if you notice flakes and other pieces of it scattered throughout your roof or around your hearth, then you should call in an expert right away to take a closer look.
Heat Damage
Too high temperatures in your fireplace can lead to lasting damage down the line. Check your TV antenna, the metal pieces of your chimney, and your roofing materials for potential heat damage. If anything is warped, distorted, or discolored, then you have likely had a chimney fire.
Cracks And Holes
If a chimney fire has occurred, you may notice cracks, holes, or missing pieces throughout your chimney. The brickwork, tiles, mortar, and more will show obvious signs of deterioration that will only worsen if not properly addressed. These cracks will also allow smoke to escape through various parts of the bricks and liner, causing countless ventilation issues.By getting these problems addressed fast, you save yourself time, money, and loads of stress. Call in an expert as soon as possible, so your fireplace is ready for use all year long.
Give Us A Call!
All in all, having a professional come in and check things over is the best way to ensure your chimney is safe, clean, and strong. If you want to maintain good chimney health for years to come, schedule an inspection today! The staff at Mountain Man Fireplace and Chimney is ready to set you up right so that you can enjoy your fireplace to the fullest anytime you’d like.Call on our CSIA certified experts now!
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