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Your chimney plays a vital role in your home’s ventilation and keeping your family warm during the long winter months. If it isn’t working as well as it used to, it is imperative to call a chimney maintenance company right away. If the structure is malfunctioning, your home won’t stay as warm and it could create a fire hazard. Below are a few common reasons chimneys don’t function correctly.

Airtight Home 

For a fireplace to burn correctly, there must be an abundance of oxygen. If your home is insulated well, you may have a problem bringing in fresh air to fuel your fire. In this situation, there is not enough air to travel up the chimney, so the fireplace may begin to smoke. To quickly correct this problem, let air inside by opening a window or a door. However, for a more permanent solution, contact a company that specializes in chimney maintenance.

Animals

Chimney MaintenanceAnother reason your chimney may be malfunctioning is an animal living inside. Raccoons, squirrels, and birds can create their homes there, mistaking it for a hollow tree. If you find animals in your chimney, do not attempt to remove them. Instead, call a professional who can remove the critter, clean the structure, and install a chimney cap to keep animals out in the future.

Creosote Buildup 

If you burn wood in your fireplace often, creosote will build up. Creosote is a mix of black tar and soot that sticks to the chimney walls. When the buildup is severe, it becomes extremely flammable. To keep your fireplace safe, professionals recommend regular chimney maintenance.

 

For assistance with your malfunctioning chimney, contact the experts at The Chimney Sweep in Kernersville, NC. Specializing in chimney maintenance since 1980, they offer quality services at affordable prices in the Triad area. To make an appointment, send them a message online or give them a call at (336) 993-8999. 

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