Are These 3 Hidden Dangers Brewing in Your Chimney?

Many homeowners don’t always realize that the main function of a chimney is to keep their home and family safe as they enjoy the warmth and coziness of a burning fireplace.  Unfortunately, some chimneys are not regularly inspected or maintained.  This can leave the homeowner exposed to hidden dangers like creosote, water leaks and carbon monoxide that could be brewing in the chimney.

Creosote

Every home with a wood or fuel burning fireplace has some level of creosote brewing in their chimney. It is a thick black, sticky substance that sticks to the walls inside the chimney and flue as the smoke and soot escape. Also, creosote doesn’t disappear on its own. It continues to build layer upon layer each time you use the fireplace.

What makes creosote potentially dangerous is that it is highly combustible. The burning embers from the kindle or firewood that are crackling in the fireplace can ignite the creosote and cause a fire in the chimney. In fact, this is the most common cause of chimney fires. One sure-fire way to get rid of this hidden danger is to contact a chimney sweep to periodically clean the chimney.

Water Leak

Although brick and mortar chimneys are built to last, they do not last forever. And in colder climates where chimneys often work over time, the constant freezing and water thawing can soften the exposed mortar joints. As the mortar continues to deteriorate over time, water can seep into the chimney. Also, a damaged crown, flue and other structural issues can also allow water to accumulate inside the chimney.

An undetected water leak can be especially dangerous. When the fumes from the burning wood come into contact with wet creosote or ash it can create a large plume of smoke that could escape into your home. Also, if a water leak remains undetected the chimney will continue to deteriorate until it eventually collapses.  All homeowners should have an annual chimney safety inspection. If your chimney professional suspects a water leak, a masonry absorption test will be performed to determine the extent of the leak.

Carbon Monoxide

This brings us to our third hidden danger, carbon monoxide. When a fire is burning in the fireplace, carbon monoxide, soot and other toxic gases that are by-products of the combustion process normally escape through a properly vented chimney. But when bird’s nests, small animals and other debris clog the flue these toxic fumes with nowhere else to go can back-up into your home with potentially lethal consequences.

According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), thousands of people are injured from carbon monoxide poisoning every year. This colorless and odorless gas is difficult to detect and many people confuse the symptoms with fatigue or a headache. A quick and easy way to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning is to install a carbon monoxide detector in every room in your home with a fireplace.  Also, regular chimney maintenance and repairs is essential to maintaining a healthy chimney and keeping your family safe.

Make sure your chimney is safe for the fireplace season. Contact us today to schedule a chimney safety inspection.

Northeastern Chimney, Inc.
37 Cody Street, West Hartford, CT 06110
Phone: 860-233-5770