Signs Your Chimney Needs A Professional
A fireplace in a home can bring many wonderful memories. The time spent in front of the warm glow is an experience of why many homeowners buy homes with a fireplace. If you own a fireplace you will want to maintain it so it lasts for years to come. It will be safe for your family and not bring them any harm.
Common Chimney Issues
Overtime creosote builds up in your chimney and this needs to be cleaned out. The recommendations are to have your chimney swept at least once a year. That along with an inspection will keep you having safe fires throughout the years. Here are some things to watch for. If you experience any of the following, it is time to contact your chimney sweep.
Excessive smoke
Smoke should not accumulate in your home. If the wood seems seasoned you should not be seeing more smoke than usual. This may also be a sign of excessive creosote buildup. The damper may also not be working to its best efficiency.
Strange odors
Be concerned if your fire burns and it is smelling like an outdoor campfire. There is most likely a large amount of creosote building up in your chimney.
The fire is not burning as expected
If your fires are not started and there is larger than normal smoke present, there may be an issue with airflow. If there is a blockage, the airflow will be impaired. You could see a back-draft of smoke.
Buildup of creosote in the damper
Depending on how often you use your fireplace, the creosote can build up over time. Most of the creosote does go up the chimney. But, it does pass over the firebox, chimney, and damper where it accumulates. Creosote is flammable. You need to remove this to make your burning as safe as possible.
You see Critters
If you are seeing animal activity it is time to call in the professionals. Chances are there is a way that small animals are getting in. The cap and crown at the top of your chimney have a netting structure that should be intact to keep out visitors. That may be open and the critters are searching out the warmth of your chimney to live. You will want to call a professional to get them out.
Contact the Central New Hampshire Chimney Experts
If you find that anything is out of the normal, it is advisable to call the professionals at Fire N’ Stone. They will help you get to the bottom of it. Fixing any issues as they occur will enable a clean and healthy fire to go through the fire-burning days to come.
Fire N’ Stone, LLC is a full-service stove shop, custom stone, and chimney service business located in central New Hampshire.
We are a family-owned and operated business that offers you 13 years of experience in design, sales, installation, and service for all of your residential and commercial hearth and stone needs.
Our knowledgeable and professional technicians are here to help you with any questions or concerns you might have! Contact Fire N’ Stone today at 603-293-4040 or with our online contact form.