Are you intimidated by the thought of a malfunctioning chimney system? If yes, you’re not alone. Many people find it challenging to take proper care of their chimney and fireplace due to the complexities of their structure.

However, little knowledge about this centuries-old heating system can help you be on top of your maintenance game and avoid any pitfalls that can potentially damage your home or affect your health. Let’s look at some chimney basics that will surely help you identify any chimney issues before it’s too late.

Learn the type of your chimney

Although one might think all chimneys are the same, that’s not the case. Knowing the type of your chimney will help you determine its maintenance and repair needs accordingly. Here are three common types of chimneys:

Masonry: These are the standard brick and mortar chimneys that are considered the safest type by the experts. A masonry chimney often has pre-installed liners that ensure proper ventilation and lower heat transmission to other parts of your home, such as walls and the ceiling. This helps you protect your home’s structure from excessive heat inside the chimney.

Single-walled metal chimneys: You can identify this type of chimney with its thin metal pipe extending from your roof. Instead of a traditional brick and mortar structure, they have a wide metal pipe that allows the smoke to exit your fireplace safely out of your home. You’ll mostly find them in older homes since some regions have new building codes that prefer masonry chimneys.

Pre-fabricated metal: These also known as factory-built chimneys and are mostly used in commercial properties. You can purchase a pre-built chimney and have an expert install it on your roof.

Look for brick issues

It’s crucial to note that the bricks used in building your chimney are not the same as the ones used in building the rest of your home. Chimney bricks are built to withstand higher temperatures of up to 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Before you build a chimney, communicate with your mason to ensure that they’re using the right type of brick for your chimney system. Using common bricks can lead to structural damage and house fires.

In addition, you also need to pay attention to the type of mortar you use between the bricks. To be safe, you must always opt for high-temperature cement so that your chimney holds firmly under higher temperatures.

If you observe any crack in the bricks or mortar chipping off, you must immediately call a professional to avoid further damage. Neglecting such repair issues can pose significant threats to households.

Check the flue

A chimney’s flue is its venting system. A flue is a pipe inside the chimney liner that leads smoke and other harmful gases safely escape your home.

A clogged or malfunctioning flue will have obvious warning signs. For example, you may see excessive smoke clouding inside your home, or you may find water droplets inside the fireplace. If you witness such signs, call a chimney inspection service to have a detailed look at your chimney system, including the flue.

Consider investing in a chimney liner

A chimney liner protects your house from flammable materials and heat produced by the fireplace. If your chimney is not in line, the heat may rise quickly, and nearby materials can catch fire. Installing a liner provides an added barrier between the heat and other materials surrounding the chimney.

There are three major types of chimney liners—metal, clay tile, and cast-in-pace liners. For open fireplaces, clay tile liners are the best option. On the other hand, cast-in-pace liners are more customizable that can fit any uniquely shaped fireplace.

If you’re not sure what type of liner is best for your chimney, you should consult a chimney expert to get an idea.

If you’re looking for a chimney expert in Connecticut to look after your chimney needs,  Creative Masonry & Chimney has got you covered. They’re one of the leading chimney services in the state, providing reliable and affordable services, including chimney sweeping, chimney inspection, chimney cleaning, chimney rebuilding, and more.

With years of experience and the latest tools at their disposal, the company’s experts ensure that your chimney needs are duly met without compromising the efficiency or safety of your heating system. All their chimney professionals are trained and certified, so you don’t need to about the quality of work and don’t have to micromanage your chimney project.

Contact them today to get one of the best chimney services in town.

About the Author: Robert D. is a renowned chimney specialist associated with Creative Masonry & Chimney for more than 4 years. He has supervised tens of chimney repair and cleaning projects during this time. He frequently writes for various social media sites to guide homeowners about modern chimney systems.