Just when the weather gets cold enough for you to want to use your fireplace every day, you cannot get a fire started after countless attempts. Another common chimney problem has to do with water leaks, which can lead to masonry damage and to structural issues, which could possibly be hazardous. To be sure your fireplace is prepared and ready to use, you need to have your chimney professionally inspected at least once a year. Since the holiday season is quickly approaching, Blue Ridge Chimney Services strongly recommends that you go ahead and schedule your chimney maintenance appointment with us now. If you do suspect you have an issue with your chimney, we can troubleshoot any problems during our inspection process. We would like to tell you a bit more about the two most common chimney problems and how we can solve them for you.
CHIMNEY DRAFT
When you have trouble getting a fire started in your fireplace, there could be several different things causing this problem, such as a partially closed damper or a cold flue. A lack of chimney draft can also be responsible for this issue, and Blue Ridge Chimney Services can test your chimney and fireplace system to see if that is indeed the cause. If we find the draft to be insufficient, we can install a chimney cap that has specialized vents to direct the wind to improve the chimney draft. We will also check the height of your chimney to make sure it is the proper height. If your chimney is too short, wind can easily blow down the chimney to affect draft. Our trained chimney professionals can extend the length of your chimney, if necessary, which should correct any draft problems.
WATER LEAKS
If you suspect your chimney is leaking, Blue Ridge Chimney Services can quickly find the source of your leak and make the necessary repairs to keep water from getting into your home. We will check to be sure you have the right components, such as a chimney cap and a flashing system, in place to prevent further water penetration of your chimney. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), chimney masonry deterioration can be greatly accelerated during the winter due to freeze/thaw damage. You can trust us to make sure that your chimney is protected from water penetration damage all year long.
When you have a problem with your fireplace, let Blue Ridge Chimney Services do the troubleshooting for you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for our professional chimney inspection services.