Chimneys and fireplaces can add a cozy atmosphere to your home, but they have certain risks. You need regular maintenance to avoid fire damage or costly chimney repair. In this post, we cover four of the most common causes of chimney damage so you can prevent them and keep your home safe.
1. Poor Construction
Though rare, a poorly built chimney can be dangerous and lead to structural issues or smoke in your home. Poor construction usually results from using damaged brickwork, defective masonry materials or a lack of prefabricated components like masonry liners. You can often repair issues from poor construction. To get ahead of it, homeowners must have an experienced chimney sweep inspect their structure every few years.
2. Lack of Maintenance
Lack of routine maintenance can cause damage to both the exterior and interior portions of your chimney. Poor maintenance includes not having regular chimney cleaning and not replacing parts that have seen wear and tear. If these parts aren’t replaced immediately, they can encourage water leakage or buildup, leading to costly repairs later on. Additionally, extra debris within flue liners could eventually create blockages, leading to more significant problems if left ignored.
3. Weather Conditions
Natural elements such as rain, humidity and frosty conditions can affect exposed masonry material surfaces in older structures. Wear and tear can also affect sealants and drywall, making them susceptible to freeze-thaw cycles and leaks.
4. Animals
There are times tiny animals are able to nest in crevices in your chimney, which are caused by aging ventilation systems. These can lead to potential fire breakouts plus other types of damage to your chimney. That’s why it’s important to have regular chimney inspections to make sure that your chimney is clear of any unwanted guests.
Chimneys can encounter different problems depending on their age, condition and local weather. Understanding the commonly reported causes of chimney damage is how you can watch for potential issues. If you notice extreme wear and tear or need advice on safely maintaining your chimney, get in touch with Batts’ Chimney Services in Birmingham, AL. For a free estimate, contact us at (205) 956-8207 (Greater Birmingham Area) or (256) 660-1338 (Northern Alabama)! Alternatively, you can fill out our online form to request a consultation.
