You probably already know that anywhere that has debris buildup can’t be good. You see it around outdoor HVAC units, hampering its performance, or on top of the roofing system, weakening its materials and allowing mold to form. And when debris accumulates inside the chimney–that’s something even more urgent. The trusted chimney repair expert in the area, Batts’ Chimney Services, expounds on this issue here.
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Debris inside your chimney can be dangerous. That’s because it creates a blockage that can lead to serious problems later on. This blockage is generally made up of combustible materials and deposits, such as creosote, which significantly increases the risk of a fire starting in the chimney. What’s worse is that the damage caused by a chimney fire is not limited to the system itself–it can spread to your roof and home, as well. Not only that, it’s also possible that toxic fumes and carbon monoxide will start seeping into your living spaces, putting you even more at risk.
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You can usually tell when your chimney is blocked by debris. Savvy homeowners will notice they have a blocked chimney because:
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There is a high volume of visible soot, which indicates a buildup in spots you can’t see. You can confirm this by having a trusted chimney sweep like Batts’ Chimney Services inspect your chimney.
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There’s a smoky odor inside your home whenever a fire is burning in the fireplace. Normally, the chimney flue would draw the smoke up and out of your chimney. But if the chimney is blocked, some of it ends up escaping to your living space.
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There is debris inside the hearth, which means that it fell through the chimney, and that there’s more of it that hasn’t ended up in the hearth.
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Preventing debris in chimneys is simpler than you may expect. One way to do it is to have a chimney cap installed. This not only keeps your chimney clear and free of any type of debris, but also prevents invasive rodents and birds, and snow, sleet, and rain from finding their way in. Scheduling regular chimney cleaning from your reliable expert, Batts’ Chimney Services, will also help quite a bit.
When it comes to professional chimney cleaning solutions, Batts’ Chimney Services remains unmatched. You can always expect superior workmanship and the highest standards in customer satisfaction when you turn to us for your chimney cleaning and maintenance needs. Call us today at (205) 956-8207 (Jefferson County) or (256) 660-1338 (Northeast Alabama) to schedule your consultation. We’d love to hear from you!
