There’s nothing quite like the warmth and ambiance a fireplace adds to a room. They can provide a romantic backdrop or a place for your family to spend quality time together on a cold winter’s day, and they can also help cut your heating expenses. Proper upkeep is vital, though; a fireplace or chimney that isn’t functioning optimally creates a fire hazard and the risk of unsafe carbon monoxide emissions. Here are some common problems that require Fireplace Repair in Potomac:
Creosote Build-Up: Creosote builds up when your fire isn’t burning hot enough due to not enough draft in your chimney. Build-up can also occur when hearth mounted stoves or Fireplace Inserts are installed using the existing masonry and the flue is too large; smoke hangs around in your chimney, decreasing draft and the temperature of your fire. When temperatures are too low, creosote condenses on the surfaces of your chimney as a sticky residue. This residue traps carbon from smoke and results in highly flammable conditions.
Missing Chimney Cap: A chimney cap prevents birds from nesting in your chimney and keeps small animals out. An obstructed chimney reduces draw, encouraging creosote build-up and decreasing the performance of your fireplace. A chimney cap also protects against rain and snow.
Smoke in Your Home: A chimney that is in good repair should naturally draw smoke into it and out of your home. If basic trouble-shooting shooting doesn’t solve the problem, it’s possible that you have some sort of obstruction, such as birds or leaves finding their way into your uncapped chimney. If no obstruction is found, it may be a sign of more serious Fireplace Repair in Potomac, such as cracks in your chimney or a flue that isn’t the proper size.
Masonry Damage: Masonry issues are inevitable. Your fireplace and chimney receive a lot of exposure to the elements, and this causes erosion over time. It’s important to keep your masonry in good repair. Cracks invite further damage, which could lead to expensive reconstruction and the possibility of collapse.
An annual chimney and fireplace inspection can catch these issues before they become major problems. Stay on top of Fireplace Repair in Potomac so you can enjoy the warmth and atmosphere of a crackling fire without the worries.
