Preparing Your Chimney Top for the Winter
You might have thought of postponing that chimney maintenance until warmer weather arrives now that winter has arrived. However, it’s important to ensure you’ve taken the right precautions to prepare your chimney for the winter before you relax and make yourself comfortable in front of the fireplace.
Time for a Chimney Inspection?
The first thing you can do to get your chimney ready for the winter if you need help with how to respond is schedule an inspection. A masonry service can prevent dangerous soot or creosote development, according to the National Fire Protection Association, by performing regular chimney inspections. Without a checkup, a fire might develop and spread due to an accumulation of these dangerous chemical compounds.
Winter’s Effects on Your Chimney
The changing seasons will surely affect your chimney directly and indirectly. You’ll be best equipped to prevent damage from occurring if you are aware of the increased danger that winter weather entails.
Pests
Animals are always looking for methods to escape the cold weather as the temperature drops. Squirrels, raccoons, birds, bats, and other rodents and wildlife may use your chimney as a prime access and hiding location. If you hear rustling or scratching, that might mean they’ve settled in.
Water Damage
All the precipitation that comes down on the brick and mortar of your home, including rain, sleet, snow, and hail, adds up to a sizable amount of water and moisture. Despite being made to withstand, masonry can nevertheless become damaged, especially given how permeable brick is. The continuous freezing and dethawing can cause fractures and crumbles without your knowledge if the components in your chimney absorb water.
Poor ventilation
Water leaks and damage aren’t the only issues to be concerned about as snow and ice begin to fall. Both ventilation blockages and holes in your chimney’s flue are possible. Airflow via chimneys and vents may become constrained when precipitation freezes or after heavy snowfall. Lighting a fire can produce harmful quantities of carbon monoxide, which can cause headaches, nausea, and dizziness if the area is not adequately evacuated. Because carbon monoxide poses a serious risk to your health, you should immediately end any fireplace use and contact the professionals to arrange an inspection.
Need a masonry service in Knoxville, TN? Reach out ALC Masonry for the job. For professional residential & commercial masonry services, call (865) 248-5996.