Indoor fireplaces play several valuable roles in a home. Yes, they provide heat during the cold winter months, but they also create a desirable ambiance and give inhabitants a comforting place to relax after a long day. Families who spend time sitting around the fireplace or wood stove enjoying their time together tend to get along much better than those who spend their time watching television or browsing the web alone. However, in order to reap all of these benefits, homeowners must ensure that their fireplaces are safe. One important component of this is keeping an eye out for Chimney Leaks in Rockville and hiring a repair contractor as soon as they are spotted. Below are a few warning signs to look out for.
Bad Smells
If there are strange odors coming from the fireplace or wood stove when it is not in use, it’s likely due rain getting in. Those who aren’t sure what this might smell like should simply take a moment to appreciate the odor that results from soaking the fire at the end of the night. If this smell lingers or begins to come out of nowhere when the fireplace or stove itself is dry, it might be due to a Chimney Leak in Rockville.
Rain Falling Directly Into Fireplace
If rain is literally falling directly into the fireplace, it can cause more damage than just soggy logs. Repeated exposure to water damage can create further problems in the fireplace and cause the flue to degrade more quickly than it otherwise wood. The solution is usually simple. Have a chimney cover installed.
Peeling Wallpaper or Paint
If the paint is peeling around the chimney, it’s generally a sure sign of a chimney leak. This may be caused by cracks in the crown or external damage to the flashing, or it may be due to an improperly sized liner. The extent of repairs necessary to stop the problem from recurring will depend on the source of the leak. If the water is getting in from outside fixing the problem may require the complete rebuilding of the chimney top. It’s interesting to note, however, that older chimneys often retain moisture from gas fumes created by modern furnaces in the bricks. Fixing the problem is a simple matter of installing a better chimney liner. Visit Site to find a local contractor or get more information.
