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This isn't to say that it takes too much work so as not to even bother with having a fireplace. But there are some definite things that you need to watch out for and check on a regular basis so that your fireplace will benefit you in the long run. There are also some things that you can do to prevent problems with your fireplace before they even start.
One of the preventative measures that you can take is to buy a chimney cap. Chimney caps are designed to sit right on the very top of your chimney. The purpose of a chimney cap is to keep out rain and other foreign objects that might fall into your chimney. Chimney cap manufacturers do make vent escapes on the side of the caps so that the smoke from the wood burning will also be able to escape. But when realizing that birds and other creatures (for example bats and mice) frequently do make nests and homes in the people's chimneys, a cap would be a good thing to invest in. If you don't want a real ornately decorated one, a simple one can be bought and are relatively inexpensive.
A second preventative measure that you can take is to use a chimney lining. A chimney lining fits right up in your chimney so that the smoke coming from your fire will have an easier exit out of your house and through the top of your chimney. Also, a chimney liner would be a good product for anyone who wants the least amount of mess possible. A chimney liner can be taken out of your chimney by yourself or a professional for cleaning. Since most of the smoke exits through the chimney liner, only the liner would have to be cleaned. That is also not to say that you shouldn't clean your chimney itself; cleaning your chimney will contribute to an even more efficient fireplace.
Now what happens when you already have chimney problems? It's possible that you'll run into such problems as rain leaking through your chimney into your fireplace or you find that your fireplace just isn't working as it used to. Anything is a possibility when it comes to chimneys, the many problems that one may encounter, and the different repairs that chimneys could need. One source of problems is cracked or crumbling chimney mortar that needs to be fixed. There are many people who specialize in this area of chimney repair, however; a professional could probably easily assess your problem and fix it for less money than the time it would take for you to do all of it yourself. Professional chimney sweeps, as those who repair chimneys are called, can be found by looking in your local phonebook or you can check the directory portion of our website for chimney repair services.
It is a good practice to have a professional check the status of your fireplace and chimney. A yearly inspection of the whole fireplace system should be performed to make sure that everything is up to standard. The more inspections and precautions you take now with your chimney as part of a preventive maintenance plan will save you a whole lot of time and money in the long run. |
