The root cause of the fireplace chimney must be inspected

The root cause of the fireplace chimney must be inspected

"A clean chimney is not a fire hazard." In contrast, a fireplace chimney full of all kinds of debris and accumulation is like a powder charge that can explode at any time. When you really fire the fireplace, smoke, steam and unburned wood and other combustion byproducts will suddenly enter the lower temperature of the furnace from its own high temperature into the chimney, where they condense to form a dark brown to black coating called creosote.

Since creosote is highly flammable, if the temperature in the fireplace flue is high enough and the creosote layer on the chimney wall is thick enough, the creosote will catch fire. A fire can damage the chimney, surrounding masonry and the underlying structure of the house, or enter the interior of the house and cause unpredictable property damage and life threat

Timely repair or replacement of damaged fireplace chimney components minimizes the risk of fire, exposure to carbon monoxide in the home, and overall chimney damage. Unfortunately, many important parts of the chimney are hidden or too tall to be seen directly by the owner. Critical components of the fireplace chimney can be assessed and damaged using a partially transferred fireplace chimney tool or after systematic training:

Crown: A crown is a concrete, stone, or metal overhang that slopes down from the top of a fireplace chimney to divert water away from the outside of the chimney to prevent erosion. If it breaks, usually due to exposure to the weather or the use of weak building materials, rain can run down the sides of a fireplace chimney and erode it, compromising its structural integrity over time.

Rainwater can also slip into the flue and degrade the flue lining. Inspectors can repair or replace cracked crowns to prevent fireplace chimneys and flues from being damaged by natural external causes.

Flue liner: Flue liner - a general term for a clay, ceramic, or metal conduit located between the fireplace flue and the chimney wall - protects the chimney wall from heat and corrosion by smoke, fumes, and particles as by-products of furnace combustion are discharged through the flue. It can also prevent harmful vapors such as smoke and carbon monoxide from entering the interior space through potential cracks in the fireplace chimney masonry, which can be said to be the most important defense line to protect the entire living room.

When a fireplace flue cracks due to overheating, external damage or wear, the heat or embers can damage the chimney walls or contact combustible materials around the house and start a chimney fire. Smoke and steam can also enter indoor Spaces through cracks in masonry, potentially exposing people to direct exposure to carbon monoxide and causing unforeseen damage.

Masonry chimneys: If you have masonry (such as brick) fireplace chimneys, the porous material can easily expand or contract with heat or cold and eventually form small cracks. These cracks can become larger and endanger the structure of the chimney, or allow smoke and steam from the flue to escape indoors, especially when combined with cracks in the flue lining. A professional can inspect the integrity of the brick and mortar on the fireplace chimney and recommend necessary masonry repairs.