Top Ten Chimney Problems

Are you experiencing one or more of these problems? If so, contact Compete Chimneys today. While some of these problems are only a nuisance, many are real dangers to your family and home.

1. Odors
2. Water Leaks
3. Smoke Problems
4. Animals
5. Inadequate Heating
6. Stains and Chimney Discoloration
   
7. Poor Performance
8. Drafts / Cold Air Around Fireplace
9. How Often Should A Chimney Be Cleaned?
10. What If I Had A Chimney Fire?

Odors in a chimney are usually caused by built up dirt, water, or nesting animals inside the chimney. If not cleaned regularly, chimney deposits of burned waste material on the walls of the chimney which can cause odors to come into the home. Water entering the chimney can be absorbed by cinder block, used brick, cored brick, and some stucco finishes which causes a damp, musty odor coming from your fireplace. Nesting animals such as birds, squirrels, raccoons, and other animals can leave fecal deposits, nesting debris, and even die inside your chimney causing major problems.

Regular cleaning of your chimney will reduce the build up of chimney dirt and avoid potential odor problems. A low cost solution to prevent water and animals from entering a chimney is a chimney cap. Contact Complete Chimneys today.

Water Leaks

Water leaking into your home can be caused by a number of chimney-related problems. These include a cracked chimney crown (concrete masonry cap), flashing problems, a problem with your chimney cap, a broken damper, and porous brick work.

To address water problems, contact Complete Chimneys today. They are experienced with water leaks and can quickly identify the cause of these leaks and repair these problems.

Smoke Problems

Does your chimney send smoke back into your home? Smoking problems can be the result of a partial or blocked chimney or a problem with your fireplace design. Smoking problems can be very serious if not looked into.

Complete Chimneys has over 20 years of experience in chimney maintenance and repairs. Contact them today to have your smoking problem checked out.

Poor Performance

Drafts

Drafts increase your heating costs and may signal a larger problem with your fireplace system. Some examples include chimneys with insufficient height, even a blocked chimney or chimney cap. Make sure your draft problem is corrected. Have the team from Complete Chimneys take determine your draft problem. To contact Complete Chimney click here.

Animals

Many times animals such as birds, squirrels, raccoons, and other nesting animals enter a chimney and cause two major problems. First, these animals carry fleas and mites whose droppings are infested with airborne disease causing microbes. Second, leaves, branches, mud, animal droppings, and even the bodies of dead animals can end up in your chimney and cause blockages. A blocked chimney is a significant danger. It can cause carbon monoxide and other lethal fumes to enter your home and even cause a fire.

A low cost solution to prevent this is a chimney cap. Contact Complete Chimneys to find out more about chimney caps.

Inadequate Heating

Is your current fireplace system providing inadequate heat for your home? Contact Complete Chimneys. They can determine if your system is functioning properly and if necessary offer a wide variety of solutions to fit your needs and budget.

Stains and Chimney Discoloration

Chimneys with stains and discolorations are usually the result of materials from inside your chimney leaking out through breaches in your chimney's brick work. These breaches can be the result of a chimney flue problem, a masonry problem, even a past chimney fire. Regardless of the cause, it's important to determine the source of these stains.

Complete Chimneys staff is trained to identify the causes of these discolorations. Contact Complete Chimney today by clicking here.

How Often Should A Chimney Be Cleaned?

The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) and The National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) and manufacturers of relatrede products recommend chimneys be cleaned and or inspected annually. Contact Complete Chimneys today to schedule your inspection and cleaning.

What If I Had A Chimney Fire?

If there has been a chimney fire, do not use the system until it has been inspected. Please contact Complete Chimneys for a free inspection.

COPYRIGHT 2004, COMPLETE CHIMNEYS, INC.