What Projects a Handyman Can Help You With

Common Chimney Maintenance Myths Exposed

by Harry Martin

A fireplace is one of the most effective ways of improving the comfort of a home, but many individuals may buy homes with chimneys without having ever owned one before. As a result, there is a chance that these individuals may make the critical mistake of assuming a couple of chimney myths are true. 

Myth: It Is Extremely Inconvenient To Have A Chimney Professionally Cleaned

Keeping the chimney clean is one of the most basic and effective steps for keeping your chimney trouble free. Unfortunately, many people will avoid having this type of work done because they are under the impression that it is extremely inconvenient to have this work done. 

Luckily, this is not the case, and most contractors can thoroughly clean a chimney in a matter of hours. This will usually include cleaning the interior of the chimney walls, the flue and the hearth. These are the areas that are most prone to developing a thick coating of grime and ash. If they are not regularly cleaned, it is possible for fumes from the fire to have a difficulty venting, and this can expose occupants of the building to potential health hazards. 

Myth: Cleaning Is The Only Maintenance Chimney Needs

While cleaning the chimney is a vital step, some individuals make the mistake of assuming that this is the only work that is needed to keep the chimney in good condition. Unfortunately, this is not always true, and there are many problems that a chimney can encounter over the years. 

For example, it is not uncommon for the masonry on the sides of the chimney to develop cracks. When this happens, heat and fumes from the fire can seep into areas of the home, and if this happens, you will need to have the problem repaired as quickly as possible. The only way to repair this damage is by having the interior of the chimney relined. When this work is done, the contractor will place a new coating of concrete to seal any cracks that have developed. 

Many homeowners pay little attention to their chimneys, and they may assume that this part of the home is virtually maintenance free. However, this is far from the truth, and believing these two myths can make your home more likely to experience chimney related problems. By understanding that it is vital to keep the chimney clean and that needed repairs should be completed as soon as possible, you can help avoid some major sources of damage and health hazards. 

For more information, contact a business such as Kettle Valley Duct Cleaner.

Share