What Happens When the Screen is Clogged?
The chimney will not function correctly if the cap screen is obstructed in any way, including being dusty or coated in debris. It could be difficult to ignite a fire if there isn’t enough air circulating through the area. It’s also possible that smoke will get into your home if there’s an obstacle in the air. Toxic carbon monoxide emissions can build up and enter your house if the screen is clogged, which is the most serious consequence of a clogged screen. Carbon dioxide is a lethal gas that has no smell and cannot be seen.
How to Clean the Screen on the Chimney Cap
Every property that contains a chimney needs to have a chimney cap since it is a necessary component. It is an essential component in the defense of your home against hazards such as fire and water damage. Additionally, it stops animals from settling down to make a nest in your chimney or from entering your house. Even though a lot of homeowners are aware of the advantages that a chimney cap provides, a lot of them aren’t aware of how important it is to maintain it on a regular basis in between the yearly chimney inspections. A chimney cap that is obstructed by debris poses a potential risk.
The Reasons Why Chimney Caps Need to Be Maintained
There are three primary uses for chimney caps, which are as follows:
-preventing precipitation of any kind, including snow, sleet, and rain, from entering the chimney.
-capturing hot embers that have the potential to start a fire on your roof or in other surrounding flammable objects.
-Animals, such as chimney swifts, raccoons, and squirrels, should not be allowed to enter the chimney since there is a risk that they will perish there, build a nest, or get access to your home.
The chimney cap is able to execute the final two functions thanks to the metal mesh that is wrapped around the edges of the cap. Any stray embers from the fire are captured when the smoke travels through the mesh and are prevented from escaping via the chimney. Because the mesh prevents entry at both the top and bottom of the chimney, it is difficult for insects or animals to fly or crawl inside. Because it may quickly get clogged or blocked, it requires routine maintenance so that it can function properly.
It’s possible for your chimney’s venting system to become compromised if the metal mesh that covers the top of the chimney cap becomes jammed or clogged. For the fire in your fireplace to thrive, it need a steady supply of fresh air from the outside, and any smoke that is produced must have a path to the open air. It’s possible that the carbon monoxide in the smoke won’t be able to vent outside when the metal mesh is obstructed or clogged up, which will force it back down the chimney and into your home. Exposure to carbon monoxide can be lethal. If you are able to reach your chimney cap in a secure manner, you may use a wire brush to clean the mesh screen that is there. Please get in touch with our chimney specialists if you are unable to access your chimney in a secure manner or if you are interested in having your chimney in its entirety cleaned.
The numerous advantages of chimney caps far outweigh any potential drawbacks. Protecting one’s head from precipitation is the primary purpose served by a hat, whether or not it features mesh ventilation. It is recommended to acquire a hat having a screen even if there is the possibility of experiencing complications. It is possible for the mesh screen to prevent animals from entering your chimney provided that the holes are not excessively wide. Animals, such as raccoons, birds, squirrels, and snakes, can frequently be seen within chimneys. This is not an unusual occurrence. A spark arrestor can also double as the screen that covers the chimney cap. It’s fairly uncommon for sparks and embers to fly up the chimney, and if your chimney doesn’t have a screen to catch them, they might start a fire on your roof.
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 Helm and other affordable services.