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Chimney Repair in Vancouver, BC to Get Your Fireplace Winter Ready
Posted by Tim Wong on October 27, 2016
It is a wise decision to start preparing for the approaching winter as soon as possible. If you have an open fire or wood-burning stove, you should check your chimney now before you start using it again. Consider hiring a professional chimney repair company in Vancouver BC if you find any problems.
Cleaning the Chimney
If you haven't used your chimney over the summer, it's a good idea to have it cleaned. This will remove soot buildup as well as any obstacles like leaves, twigs, birds' nests, and even birds themselves, so that you won’t have to deal with fireplace smoke inside your home when you light the season's first fire.
Protecting the Chimney
A chimney cap can be a good investment, as it will prevent debris from falling down the chimney, stop animals and birds from entering, and keep the rain out during heavy storms, too. Most modern brick chimneys have a liner to protect the bricks, but some older houses may have an unlined chimney. Fitting a liner keeps heat away from the bricks, reducing the chances of a fire in the chimney, and protects the area around the fireplace from excess heat as well.
It's important to have the liner fitted properly, since if it is too loose or too tight, dangerous gases like carbon monoxide can build up in your home. If you already have a liner, now is the time to check for cracks and tears.
Maintaining the Chimney
Brick chimneys should also be checked to make sure the bricks and mortar are in good condition and not crumbling. Any damaged bricks need to be replaced. Chimney damp can be a problem in older houses, spreading into roof space, and walls where the line of the chimney runs. Regular cleaning and having proper ventilation should cure the issue.
Protecting the Chimney and Your Home
In any house with a fireplace, it is important to fit both a smoke alarm and a carbon monoxide detector. Your chimney repair specialist can advise on types of alarm and where to place them. When you light a fire in a damaged chimney, you risk causing further damage. You might also be facing a smoky home, or even cause a house fire.
Get in touch with a specialist and arrange your chimney repair company in Vancouver like Consumers Choice Roofing and Drainage for peace of mind this winter.
Source:
10 Chimney Basics Every Homeowner Needs To Know, freshome.com
Fireplace and chimney maintenance in old homes, periodliving.co.uk
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