There is a fascination among people for a house having a chimney. These houses have been in style since the early 17th century. Numerous stories are attached to these chimneys and their cleaning. There is no doubt that they complement the external architecture. These gigantic masonry chimneys may look magnificent, but it’s painstaking to clean them. This is why you need a chimney sweep to clean them.

Toxic gas like Carbon Monoxide and other gasses present inside the chimney obstruct the smoke and fumes from the fireplace to escape. The downward pressure can even instigate a devastating fire. It is, therefore, mandatory to get a good chimney sweep for annual maintenance. However, there can be numerous issues that may require immediate treatment, and for that, you must find a good chimney sweep having proper knowledge of the anatomy of a chimney. Apart from that, you may always carry out supervision regularly that will help the stack working flawlessly.

The things to look in a chimney:

Foundation: Chimney is a significant and substantial concrete structure resting on a concrete platform. The entire stack may fall if there is any problem in the foundation. A chimney sweep must take a look at the foundation.

Chimney damper:

A chimney damper is located on top of the firebox. It has an open and closed function that controls the airflow. During the fire, these dampers must open fully that would enable the correct amount of airflow and drafting. There are also top-sealing dampers that go on the top of the chimney.

However, a chimney sweep must ensure that the chimney damper should remain sealed tightly shut when the fireplace is not in use. This would prevent the interior and exterior air as well as to keep possible debris and small animals from entering your house.

Smoke shelf:

The smoke shelf, which is located between the firebox and the smoke chamber plays an important role. It collects the stagnant rainwater or debris that may have entered the chimney. The chimney seeps must check the shelf thoroughly as it protects from fire by preventing downdrafts from pushing the smoke and toxic gasses like Carbon Monoxide into your home.

Smoke chamber:

A vital part of the chimney as a smoke chamber works as a medium and carry the smoke from the firebox up into the stack. On average, 60% of chimney fires take place inside the smoke chamber. The chamber is located above the damper and smoke shelf. Chimney sweep must see that the surface is smooth. Often the surface turns rough with the years of use that obstruct the flow into the damage of the inner wall. Due to this, inflammable creosote starts depositing that block the airflow.

Chimney flue:

The chimney flue or the shaft is placed inside the chimney. It is the narrow vent outlet that runs from the smoke chamber to the external of your house. Some of the flues contain chimney liners, or flue liners, as a safety measure, to carry away the smoke out of the home and protect the construction of the chimney from extreme heat, acids, and humidity. The chimney sweep would be able to deal with the problem.

Flue Liner:

The flue liner prevents the construction from damage from corrosive materials that travel through the flue and constitute on the inner wall of the chimney. Apart from that, it is useful as it helps to keep the atmosphere healthy to breathe inside the hose by preventing the toxic gases from the chimney system. Clay tiles, stainless steel, aluminum, and refractory flue sealant can be used to build the liner.

Chimney chase top:

They are placed on the top of the chimney to protect against rain and moisture. Usually, you would find the standard equipment for factory-built fireplaces. Hence, they are rarely found on masonry chimneys.

Chimney crown:

A chimney crown is used to cover the chimney and is made of cement. It seals the entire chimney except for the flue pipes. The crown also protects bricks and mortar exposed to humidity and rainfall.

Chimney cap:

The chimney cap operates as a protector against rainwater as well as infiltration by debris, including twigs and leaves from trees as well as small animals like squirrels and rodents. It is installed on the top of the chimney. Chimney cap has a mesh side that allows smoke and fumes to flow and, at the same time, keep outside constituents away.

There is nothing wrong with using a fireplace for comfort, but you should ensure the chimney works appropriately. Any fault in the chimney may lead to too many issues. However, you must hire a chimney sweep for an annual maintenance contract. There is numerous chimney sweep, find one that suits your requirements.

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