Are you the proud owner of a sturdy and reliable fireplace? If so, it may be easy to forget that, eventually, all fireplaces need some TLC and professional maintenance. One particular area of focus when caring for your chimney is the chimney liner. This important component can degrade over time since it’s exposed to high temperatures, corrosive gases, and any particles generated from burning fuel in your furnace, fireplace, or stove.
That’s why inspecting your chimney liner should be included in regular maintenance check-ups – failure to do so could mean missing issues until more costly damage has been done. Hire our experts for the job – call 703-379-5006 or reach out to us online now.
What Are the Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Chimney Liner?
Exterior System
Let’s start with the outside of your chimney system. Regularly inspecting the outside of your chimney is an important step in maintaining safety and optimal efficiency.
- Look for distinct cracks, openings, and gaps, as well as any patches of deterioration that have shown up over time.
- Look for discoloration, as that can indicate water intrusion in the brick or siding – and many times it’s because there is damage to the liner.
- If you spot any damage to the outer structure of your chimney, it is critical to take action and resolve the issue as quickly as you can.
Not only can these issues compromise your chimney’s ability to direct smoke and harmful gases out of your home, they can also potentially put you and your family at risk. It is wise to perform regular visual inspections on both the inside and outside of your chimney to maintain assurance of its performance.
If you have any concerns, stop and call a certified chimney professional at Winston’s Services, and schedule a thorough inspection to be done on the entire system.
Interior System
When it comes to the inside of your system, having a Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) certified technician run a 360-degree internal camera system up to flue to examine the inside of your chimney is an easy and effective way to ensure that all signs of cracks, gaps, and corrosion in the flue are caught early.
This high-tech diagnostic tool allows us to give you photos of the interior area, ensuring we can see exactly where problems may be occurring. It’s never been easier to get a detailed look at what’s going on inside your chimney – anytime, anywhere.Â
It’s important to have your chimney inspected annually for obstacles that can cause blockage or create an unsafe environment – a camera system can help do this without having to disassemble anything. Don’t wait any longer. Protect yourself and your home and call Winston’s Chimney Services and get your system inspected today!
What Kinds of Dangerous Issues Does the Flue Inspection Catch?
It can be concerning if you start to notice visible damage or deterioration inside the chimney flue. These signs could include cracks, gaps, smoky smells, and unusual odors entering your home through the flue – as well as smoke being drawn into the house instead of up and out of it.
One possible cause of these issues is a buildup of creosote, which is a naturally occurring residue from burning wood or other fuels. This buildup can lead to blockages in the flue that cause smoke to be drawn back down into your home, which can be hazardous, not only due to potential health impacts from indoor air pollution, but also because it increases the chances of a dangerous chimney fire.
If you are experiencing any issues with your chimney, it is important to have it inspected by a certified chimney technician in order to ensure its continued safe operation.
What’s the Worse thing that Could Happen if I Decide Not to Reline a Damaged Liner?
Not replacing a damaged liner can lead to huge risks, such as carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless gas that can be toxic to humans and animals alike. If a damaged chimney liner isn’t replaced, the gas produced from burning products like wood or gas fuel can leak out from the cracks in the liner, increasing levels of carbon monoxide in the air.
This environmentally hazardous gas can cause flu-like symptoms, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and more serious reactions when breathed in for an extended period of time. In extreme cases, it can even result in death, so it is essential to make sure to have any damage to a chimney liner professionally evaluated by a reputable chimney services company like Winston’s Chimney Services – and repair it before further use.
If You Need Care, Turn To Us
We have been in business for decades and proudly serve the Northern VA, Washington, DC, and Maryland areas. We’re happy to serve you where you are! Call 703-379-5006 or schedule an appointment online today.
