Wednesday, July 2, 2014

When To Consider Chimney Repair

By Rosella Campbell


In areas where outside temperatures can drop to negative degrees, it is essential for its inhabitants to look for ways to keep warm. Some just huddle under blankets and comforters to trap in body heat. Some who can afford it get insulated doors, windows, and glass walls installed to keep the warm air from escaping. But perhaps the most favorite of almost everybody is having to sit in front of happily crackling fire with a mug of hot beverage to fight off the cold.

To keep themselves warm, people have come up with many ingenious ways to stay warm. Those who can afford them have insulating glass panels installed in different areas in the house. Some pay much for a central heating system. Some just lie in the comforts of a warm bed and cover themselves up in fluffy comforters. Others take a hot mug of chocolate or apple cider and enjoy it while reading a book by the warmth and light exuded by a fireplace and its corresponding chimney repair Portland OR.

Chimneys often go together with fireplaces, even broilers, as a complete home heating device system. It is a masonry structure that provides flue gases and smoke a way out from the fireplace. It prevents the smoke from pervading the house and choking everybody else.

They were used as early as the 12th century in most mansions, yet gained popularity in most households only during the 16 and 17th centuries, when people started baking homemade goodies such as pies, biscuits, and cookies. They are all positioned vertically to allow smooth passage of smoke and gas.

The first one easily deals on obstruction. This problem is caused about by many different things, including blockage in the chimney draft. This may be brought upon by a low structure, as the updraft prevents the smoke from going out. A house that is too airtight can also cause the smoke to disperse inside the home instead of rushing outside.

A dirty stack also brings about some issues. Unkempt fireplaces can lead to the build up of creosote. This mixture of soot and tartar can cause fires because it is highly flammable.

Creosote is a mixture of soot and black tartar. It is deposited along the linings of the chimney walls. If these are not cleaned, they can get thicker. This could be very dangerous, as creosote is very flammable. Household fires can be started by an unkempt fireplace.

The things found at the topmost parts of these structures are called crowns and caps. They are also exposed to changing elements that cause them to weaken and develop cracks. If these are not remedied, they can cause moisture to get in and damage the entire system.

All these problems can never be done without professional help. It is also recommended that you can an expert team when the problems you have noticed are still at their early stages to avoid even more serious problems. After all, it is better to do repairs than to have it replaced altogether.




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