Dangers of Neglecting Chimney Maintenance

Before you know it, it will be time to light up your fireplace. Since the winters in New Jersey are long and harsh, it is crucial to have a functional fireplace and chimney. The maintenance of a functioning chimney is equally important. By ignoring your maintenance, you may put your safety at risk and set yourself up for costly repairs in the future. Here is more information on how not having a faulty or neglected chimney is dangerous for your home.

Risks of Fire

Even though your chimney was designed to withstand some of the hottest temperatures, it is still possible for it to catch fire if it is not properly maintained. There will be a buildup of creosote in your fireplace if you burn wood. This tar-like black substance is released from wood when it’s lit. Eventually, it will accumulate, and it takes very little time for it to do so. Having a fireplace in a home can be dangerous because creosote is highly flammable and has historically been the leading cause of fires. Therefore, you should never allow creosote to get more than ⅛ inch thick. Anything over that is a gamble to your safety. In addition, any soot left in the fireplace and chimney for an extended period of time is a fire hazard. We at Mercer County Chimney Services recommend regular chimney cleanings to help combat this problem.

Chimney Obstructions

Several things get into your chimney regularly, such as leaves, limbs, and even animal nests, which can obstruct the flow of air. In the winter, many animals, including birds and squirrels, seek out chimneys for warmth. The problem is that homeowners might not realize it at first, but this can have a very significant effect because the air must flow properly through a fireplace and chimney for it to operate properly. Partial airflow can cause toxic fumes to return to the house rather than escape the chimney as they should. Fumes like carbon monoxide have no color, smell, or taste, which makes them nearly impossible to detect without a detector. The only way to make sure that your home is safe is to have a chimney sweep clean obstructions regularly and also install a detector.

Insurance Issues

It is important to take care of your chimney to prevent corrosion from chimney leaks, which can affect not only the structure but also the surrounding area. To ensure that the home is maintained and in working order, most insurance companies require an annual inspection. Your premiums may increase or the company may drop you entirely if your chimney is neglected, so don’t forget to add these important tasks to your to-do list for home repair.

Schedule Chimney Maintenance

If you’re due for a chimney or fireplace service, give our experienced and friendly team a call today at 609-802-5288. We are here to help you keep your home warm all winter long and offer services throughout the year to maintain safety and quality.