As we get closer into winter, the temperature will start dropping quickly here in the Charleston area. The last thing you want to happen at this time of the year is for your chimney and fireplace system to not work properly. If you have not had your chimney professionally swept and inspected this year, you may be at risk of chimney issues. Our Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)-certified professionals at Ashbusters have many years of experience in providing superior chimney maintenance, repair, and installation services, and we have seen chimneys that are in all sorts of conditions. For all of the damaged and deteriorating chimneys we have seen, the reasons behind the issues are typically the same. We would like to tell you about the top five destroyers of your chimney system and how we can repair the damage and prevent it from reoccurring.
1&2. WEATHER (1 – RAIN AND MELTED ICE AND SNOW & 2 – HIGH WINDS)
Since the exterior of your chimney is constantly exposed to the elements of weather, it makes sense that the top two chimney destroyers are weather related. According to the CSIA, water is the greatest enemy of masonry chimneys, and this is why Ashbusters specializes in water penetration preventive services like waterproofing and chimney cap installations. We can help you keep water from rain and melted ice and snow from getting into your chimney to cause damage, and we can also help to prevent high winds from messing with your chimney draft. We carry and install a special type of chimney cap that can properly direct wind into your chimney to improve the draft. The flashing system is also exposed to this but is essential in keeping water away from where the chimney and roof meet. If a windstorm has damaged or blown away your flashing, we can repair and construct a new customized system to protect your chimney.
3. BIRD AND WILD ANIMAL INVASIONS
Unfortunately, birds, squirrels, bats, raccoons, and other wild animals mistake chimneys for trees when they are looking for a safe spot to nest. It is your responsibility to keep these critters out with a chimney cap that is equipped with mesh metal sides. When you have the right type of cap professionally installed on the top of your chimney, you do not have to worry about dealing with a wild animal living (and possibly dying) inside your chimney.
4. CREOSOTE
If you have a wood-burning fireplace, you will likely have creosote deposits built up on the sides of your inner chimney. These deposits can be very hazardous as creosote is extremely flammable. Developing naturally during the combustion process, creosote has been named by the CSIA as a leading cause of chimney fires. One of the most important reasons why you need to have your chimney professionally swept every year is to have the creosote deposits removed. This chimney maintenance service is crucial in reducing your risk of chimney fires.
5. LACK OF MAINTENANCE
Lastly, lack of maintenance can pose a large threat to your chimney’s structure but is the easiest issue for you to avoid. All you have to do is contact us at Ashbusters for any professional chimney need you may have. We are here to give you the best maintenance, repair, and installation services possible to protect your chimney against these five destroyers.