By Barbara Lehrer
Real Talk
Barbara Lehrer.
Do not underestimate your chimney. You most likely have more than one, the years go by and, unless you are moving you simply take it for granted as doing the job. Actually, in a home inspection this part of your home is always in need of repair, maintenance and evaluation. So let’s talk about the issues that are quietly hidden in these vents.
The most obvious issue can be seen when you look up above the roof line and you can see bricks missing, mortar missing and the edges looking cracked or open. That indicates that water is getting into the flue and this can cause a multitude of problems. The exterior may look only cosmetic, but if it isn’t sealed then the moisture getting inside will decay all the stone.
Many homeowners clean their chimneys because they want that winter atmosphere, the holiday fire to sit by. You need to prepare for this lovely fire. One of the important items a chimney expert can check is the damper, which is the door that opens and closes to let air or smoke out, or to keep a vacuum when closed so that your heat is not let out. Either way, this damper is a complicated piece. It is attached very sturdily to the width of the opening and if it breaks it is a major pain to replace. Keep it well maintained. The flue expert will also look for types of debris that can indicate serious decay, or simply brush away any bird nests and ash which has accumulated.
The exterior of the chimney needs to be kept closed up. The interior has older bricks that can deteriorate over time from water dripping in during rain. This moisture can do damage all the way down to the basement, where the cleanout is. Make sure the chimney professional goes into the basement and while he is there you can pay extra for the second flue cleanout. This is the short pipe that goes from your furnace to the wall, where it attaches to the separate flue for your heat. Many times, this short pipe is clogged and does not get cleaned by the furnace man. It can be full of pet fur, for one thing. Check that pipe also to make sure that the cement that holds it against the wall has no openings, or have it sealed with chimney cement again; the chimney expert will also do that. Leaving it unsealed can lead to carbon monoxide in the basement, just like a clogged furnace pipe.
These vents – the flues that push air from the furnace or a fireplace – need proper maintenance. It is not something you can do yourself. Put the chimney on your to-do list along with gutters, furnace cleaning, shutting off outside water spickets and so on. Be aware; be the best homeowner you can be.
If you need more information on these issues, email Barbara.Lehrer@cbmoves.com.