Your home’s chimney prevents smoke and fumes from your fireplace from getting trapped in your home. That being said, you need to keep your chimney well-maintained. One of the most common issues that can arise from a poorly maintained chimney is a cracked flue. How serious can this problem get? As a leading home remodeling contractor in the area, we have the answers.
The Importance of a Flue
To understand how serious a cracked flue is, you must first understand the main purpose of the flue. Made of heat-resistant material, the flue provides a protective lining in the inner part of the chimney. Over time, natural wear and tear can cause this lining to develop large cracks that create gaps in its otherwise perfect lining.
Compromised Fire Protection
The most obvious risk of having a cracked chimney flue is the increased risk of fire and heat damage. According to exterior home remodeling services contractors, heat coming from the hearth can seep through the cracks. Unfortunately, the material beyond the flue may not be heat-resistant. This can cause problems ranging from warping due to heat expansion to outright setting more combustible materials on fire.
Fumes and Soot
The flue also serves as the passageway for smoke coming from the chimney’s hearth. Smoke consists of gases and solid particles suspended in the air. This usually appears in the form of soot. Unfortunately, smoke that manages to pass through cracks in the flue can deposit fumes and soot elsewhere in the home. The fumes can pose a serious health hazard, while soot can cause discoloration and serve as irritant, especially for people with respiratory problems.
Flue Fixes
Getting rid of cracks may seem as simple as applying sealant over the damaged area. However, fixing a cracked chimney flue requires more than just caulking over the cracks. To make sure repairs will guarantee good results, you need to call for a general construction company that offers chimney repair services.
Get your chimney checked for signs of cracking and have them fixed ASAP. Timberland Exteriors provides general construction and maintenance services in Minneapolis, MN. Call us at 651-439-1760 or (218) 849-6675 for more information. You can also fill out our contact form to request a quote.
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