Increase the Chimney Updraft
The cozy atmosphere that is created by a fireplace may help make the colder months of the year more bearable. A properly functioning chimney relies on a great deal of different parts and components. It is the chimney updraft that makes it possible for the smoke to be drawn up from the house and expelled into the air outside, giving the appearance of a traditional smoke stack. On the other hand, if your chimney does not have a enough updraft, you run the risk of letting toxic vapors into your home and damaging the chimney itself.
It is also possible for there to be a blockage if the building that is adjacent to the position of the fireplace is too near to it. This is likely to be the case in more metropolitan regions where there is less space between buildings. There is also the chance that there is a buildup of creosote, which, if not checked on and taken care of by an expert, might result in potentially hazardous circumstances.
Creosote: what is it?
Creosote odor can permeate your home if you have a problem with downdrafts, which is one of the drawbacks of having this condition. At some time in their lives, everyone who uses a fireplace will have to deal with the issue of creosote. When wood is burnt, the chimney fills with a smoky, gaseous, and vaporous concoction that also contains minerals and a number of other small particles. Condensation develops on the inside walls of the chimney liner as a result of the expulsion of this combination of substances.
At first glance, creosote seems to be ashy soot and is simple to clean off of surfaces. At this point, the removal of creosote should be handled by a skilled specialist who is familiar with the proper procedures. Creosote reaches the second stage when it takes on the appearance of black flakes and becomes more difficult to remove. The creosote in the flue will have the consistency of tar after it has reached the third stage of formation. It will be quite hard to remove it at this stage. In some of these circumstances, a new liner for the chimney is required.
Creosote of stage three can develop when a home lacks enough ventilation or when unseasoned firewood is burned in the fireplace. In extreme circumstances, there is a possibility that a chimney fire will break out, or that carbon monoxide will be forced into the residence. If you want to help prevent this problem, make sure the chimney damper is closed whenever the fireplace is not in use. You will still need to exercise caution due to the fact that many dampers are quite leaky.
A fire that is allowed to get hotter can assist pull air out of the chimney since hot air is lighter and has more pull than cold air does. Adding additional oxygen to a fire will cause it to burn at a higher temperature. Be careful to make use of a big quantity of little bits of wood so that the larger ones may catch fire more readily. Additionally, check to see that the wood for the fire has been totally dried out. The presence of moisture on it will cause creosote to accumulate, which will prevent the fire from becoming extremely hot. Because recently cut firewood typically contains more moisture, it is important to let it sit for an adequate amount of time before using it. If you want to have very dry wood that is ideal for burning in really hot flames, you should either stack the wood at the back of your house or store it in a dry spot for at least a year.
Having a taller chimney is another approach to allow for hotter flames and, as a result, stronger updraft in the fireplace. A stronger draw will be possible as a result of the increased volume of the stack. If the aperture of the chimney is blocked for natural causes, such as overgrown trees, or if neighboring structures are causing downdraft difficulties, one solution is to raise the height of the chimney. Finally, if you live in a region that experiences a lot of wind, you might want to consider having a chimney cover that is resistant to wind installed on your chimney. If you are having trouble starting a fire or if you are observing a downdraft that is being caused by the wind, this will be of assistance to you.
If you suspect that your chimney or fireplace is having some issues, have an expert inspect it. Call Local Chimney Sweep Cleaning today. We also offer Chimney Cleaning Georgetown and other affordable services.
About Chimney Updraft Georgetown
Light Your Fireplace Correctly Georgetown