Certain components in homes tend to go together in many cases, and the combination of fireplaces and chimneys is a great example of this. However, there are some cases where certain safety issues develop in or around your chimney with regard to the fireplace connection – and these tend to be more likely in especially old homes.

At Uintah Fireplace and Design, we’re here to provide unmatched fireplace design and installation services to clients around Salt Lake City, Park City and Heber – and we also provide service and repairs to any fireplace setup. Chimneys are a common element we assist clients with, including issues where chimney safety may be a concern. Let’s look at some of the issues that older homes may have in this area, especially if they’ve contained a fireplace for a long time, and what can be done about them if they’re discovered.

Improper Venting Setup

One of the most common issues we see with older homes and their chimney setups is improper venting. Over time, certain elements of the fireplace setup may have been modified or compromised in some way – leading to an insufficient level of venting being provided for the fireplace.

This can be a dangerous situation and lead to carbon monoxide buildup or other fumes having an opportunity to enter the home. It’s important to have a professional come out and look at this issue if it’s suspected, and make any necessary repairs or adjustments to ensure your fireplace is properly venting again.

In many cases, resolving this issue is as simple as a professional cleaning and inspection of the chimney, followed by some minor repairs or adjustments to the setup.

Obstructions to the Chimney

In other cases, chimneys will develop obstructions over time. This can be anything from birds’ nests or other animal debris, to buildup of creosote and soot on the inside walls of the chimney itself.

Any kind of obstruction in a chimney can lead to carbon monoxide buildup, fire hazards and more. Therefore, it’s important to have your fireplace checked and cleaned on a regular basis to ensure nothing is obstructing the chimney.

If you do discover an obstruction, it’s important to contact a professional as soon as possible. They’ll be able to safely clean the chimney and remove any obstructions that may have developed over time.

Cracks in the Chimney Flue

When we talk about the flue of a chimney, we’re referring to the interior walls of the chimney itself. Over time, these flue walls may develop cracks or other damage – and this can be dangerous for many reasons. For instance, if there are any holes in the flue, hot gases and smoke from the fire will have a direct route out of the chimney – leading to more risk of carbon monoxide buildup or other fumes entering your home.

If you suspect damage to the flue of your chimney, it’s important to have it inspected and repaired by a professional as soon as possible. They’ll be able to examine the inside of the chimney and make any necessary repairs that are needed.

Creosote Residue

You may be familiar with creosote, which is a dark, tar-like substance that accumulates on the inside of chimneys. This is caused by the burning of wood in the fireplace and can build up over time – leading to flammability issues as well as risk of carbon monoxide buildup.

If you suspect a higher than normal amount of creosote residue in your chimney, it’s important to have the chimney cleaned by a professional. They’ll be able to safely remove any built up residue, reducing the risk of fire hazards or other issues.

Masonry Chimney Deterioration

If your chimney is of the masonry variety, there is a chance that it can deteriorate over time. This may be due to water damage, or even just general wear and tear. In either case, it’s important to have your masonry chimney inspected regularly for any signs of deterioration or damage – and if you do find any, contact a professional for repairs as soon as possible.

Overall, the combination of a fireplace and chimney can bring warmth and comfort to your home – but it’s important to make sure you’re taking the necessary steps to keep them both safe. If you suspect any issues with your fireplace/chimney setup, or if you’d like to have it inspected for regular maintenance purposes, contact a professional right away.

And at Uintah Fireplace and Design, we have the experts and experience to ensure your fireplace is connected to a safe and secure chimney. Contact us today for more information about any of our fireplace products or services around SLC, Park City, Heber or nearby areas!