Chimneys
Do I need to clean my chimney if I don’t have a fireplace?
Yes. All home heating systems that burn a fuel source such as coal, oil or natural gas produce toxic byproducts that must be vented out of the house by a chimney. This chimney should be cleaned and inspected yearly.
Chimneys
How often should I have my chimney inspected?
Even if you don’t use your fireplace or heating source often, it should be inspected at least once a year. Your chimney should be cleared of any hazardous materials such as flammable deposits and animal nests. Additionally, chimneys can deteriorate over time and become dangerous. Disconnected or loose fittings can leak carbon monoxide into the home and pose serious health risks for residents.
Chimneys
I heat my home with gas, does this chimney need to be checked?
Although gas is generally a cleaner-burning fuel, parts of the chimney can fall into disrepair over time due to corrosion and can be dangerous for residents. Modern furnaces can also cause problems with flues intended to vent the older generation of furnaces, so it is important to routinely check on them.
Chimneys
What is tuckpointing/repointing?
This is a technique used in masonry that involves filling gaps between mortar and brick on chimneys and walls. Over time, weathering and decay create holes in the joints. This allows water to enter and create serious damage such as corrosion and mold. The chimney can also become unstable and collapse. In order to prevent or correct these issues, the damaged mortar is removed and replaced with fresh mortar.