Tips To Help Your Chimney Avoid Common Issues

A fireplace can be a wonderful way of keeping your home warm during frigid nights, but many homeowners make the critical mistake of assuming that the chimney to their fireplace requires almost no maintenance to keep it problem free. This can lead to major damages to the home, and the potential for a buildup of dangerous gasses. Luckily, there are a couple of tips that you can follow to help ensure that your chimney avoids this major issues. 

Only Use Aged Lumber

There is a common misconception that any type of wood can be burned in a fireplace without repercussions. As a result, some new homeowners may make the mistake of simply gathering wood from around their yards for use in the fireplace. While this may seem like a harmless way of reducing your firewood costs, wood that has not been properly aged will generate far more soot and residue than aged wood. 

This occurs because sap and moisture in the wood will create a sticky substance that can stick to the walls of the chimney. After enough time has passed, it is possible for these accumulations to slow or block the flow of air. While burning aged wood will not free your chimney from the need for annual cleanings, it will drastically improve the performance of the chimney between cleanings. 

Have A Cap Installed On Top Of The Chimney

In addition to soot buildup, there are other issues that can cause the air flow to be impacted. For example, there are many animals that will attempt to nest in the chimney. Whether it is a group of squirrels or a bird, these nests can quickly create major problems for the homeowner, and removing them can be a dangerous task. 

Fortunately, you can have a professional install a chimney cap. These caps go over the top of the chimney, and they form a barrier that animals can not get through. However, it should be noted that you should never attempt to install one of these caps without professional help. In addition to the risk of falling, improperly installing the chimney cap can cause air flow restrictions or an inability of the device to keep animals out. 

Keeping your chimney safe from routine problems can be a somewhat bewildering task for many new homeowners. Luckily, understanding the value of these two basic tips will help ensure that your chimney avoids some common issues that lead to expensive repairs and health hazards. 

For more information, contact a business such as Early Times Home Solutions.