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Vancouver, BC Chimney Repair Specialist Talks Chimney Winter Problems

People often view masonry chimneys as strong and sturdy home features that they can simply use and forget about. However, a chimney is not as low-maintenance as you may think it is. As the main vent for your fireplace, a chimney takes on a lot of responsibilities, and if yours isn't able to do its tasks efficiently, it could lead to smelly interiors, damaged chimney structure, and even a major house fire.

The problem with winter

Like most areas in the northern region, masonry chimneys in Vancouver are made of materials such as brick, concrete, and mortar. All these materials have a porous quality, which means they absorb and hold in water. The process of absorbing and holding water occurs naturally throughout the year for your chimney, and does little harm to the structure during warm seasons.

Once the winter season starts though, plenty of problems come for your chimney. When moisture leaks down a chimney or permeates the bricks there are many types of damage that can occur. Your Vancouver, BC chimney repair specialists reveal to you some of the biggest problems your chimney will face once the temperature drops below freezing.

• Expanding and contracting of the chimney caused by the freezing and thawing of the ice can result in gaps, cracks, and deterioration of the materials.
• Water mixing with creosote in the chimney can result in a smelly home interior
• Metal, masonry firebox, and damper assemblies can rust
• The fireplace clean-out area can get clogged
• Wall coverings behind the chimney can be ruined
• The HVAC system can be damaged
• The chimney’s exterior can become stained and very hard to clean
• The chimney structure can tilt or even collapse

Prevention is the best solution

You can’t change the weather, but you can prevent these serious damages from occurring to your chimney. Doing so can save you a lot of money from chimney repairs in the future. Precautionary measures against moisture problems brought about by the winter season include the installation or replacement of a chimney cap or cricket. You may also want to get the help of a professional Vancouver, BC chimney repair expert who can sweep the structure annually and inspect to see whether moisture damage has already occurred.

Source:

Chimney sweeps busy preventing winter problems, WandTV.com

Avoiding Carbon Monoxide Hazards, CSIA.org