(563) 582-5156
925 Century Dr. Dubuque, IA 52002
Home Tap to Call Now

Dangers of Neglecting Chimney Maintenance

When thinking of ways to cut home maintenance costs, don’t forget that there are dangers of neglecting chimney maintenance. Various threats naturally come with using a solid fuel heating appliance. Chimney maintenance is important because it prevents a range of possible hazards associated with neglect. Read on to learn more.

creosote build-up in chimney, bernard iaRisks of a Dirty Chimney

Especially if you use a wood-burning appliance, a dirty chimney can wreak havoc. Below, you’ll learn how neglecting chimney maintenance can put your home and family at risk in the following ways.

Chimney Fires

Creosote is a combustible material deposited in the chimney flue every time a wood fire is burned. Due to the highly flammable nature of creosote, chimney fires can easily occur. Many homeowners do not realize that chimney fires are extremely hazardous. A common myth is that chimney fires help to cut costs by burning out the creosote. In reality, most chimney fires cause structural damage. Many cause out-of-control house fires.

Flue Corrosion

The structural component frequently damaged by chimney fires and neglect of chimney maintenance is the flue. Creosote mixed with moisture can cause flue corrosion. No fireplace should be used if there is even a small crack in the chimney flue.

A breach in the flue liner creates two potential hazards. Ceadly carbon monoxide (CO) fumes can enter  through any type of opening in the liner. Then, if the flue liner deteriorates in some way, combustible parts of the home become exposed to extreme heat. Pyrolysis occurs, which means that the temperature at which the exposed combustible materials will ignite is greatlylowered.

A Smoky Fireplace 

If the neglect of chimney care results in a chimney obstruction, the efficiency of the heating appliance is negatively affected. The blockage causes the fireplace to smoke. Carbon monoxide fumes can threaten the health and even the life of your family.

Carbon Monoxide Exposure

It is essential to understand the risks involved with exposure to carbon monoxide, which is one of the potential results of neglecting chimney maintenance. CO is one of several kinds of toxic combustion fumes, and it is the deadliest.

The hazard of carbon monoxide is due to the stealth of the fumes. CO cannot be seen or smelled, and the effects are not detectable until it is often too late to safely escape the fumes. It is vital to install carbon monoxide detectors in your home and ensure that the batteries are in working order whenever the fireplace is used.

Home Insurance Claims Potentially Denied

Be sure to check your home insurance policy about your fireplace. Many home insurance policies require chimney maintenance to be done regularly by a professional. If chimney maintenance is neglected and the home is damaged or destroyed by a chimney-related issue, any insurance claims submitted are likely going to be denied.

chimney cleaning services, epworth iaContact Dubuque Fire & Patio for Chimney Maintenance

Our trusted chimney technicians at Dubuque Fire & Patio are NFI-certified and have the experience to provide top-notch chimney maintenance services. Avoid a range of hazards and expenses associated with neglecting chimney maintenance. Call (563) 582-5156 to speak with chimney experts in Dubuque. Call our sister store, Chimney Specialists, Inc., at (608) 929-4887 if you live in or around the Highland WI area.

Call Now Button