A chimney’s primary purpose is the removal or venting of those by-products that result from the combustion process.This is a crucial function when you consider that those by-products contain hazardous gasses including carbon monoxide (CO). When animals and humans are exposed to high concentrations of this colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas, they can become seriously ill and even die. In most cases, the presence of CO within a Long Island home is attributed to the inadequate venting of a fireplace or furnace.
So what exactly causes improper or inadequate venting? In most instances, this is due to one or a combination of the following:
- Animal or bird nests
- Blockage in the flue caused by debris that has fallen into the chimney
- Cracks and/or holes in the flue caused by chemical residue, fire, or moisture
The second most important purpose of a chimney is to keep those combustible materials that surround it from being exposed to excessive heat and catching fire. If the clay flue liner is cracked or there are mortar joints missing, the flames and heat from a chimney fire can escape and cause the structure’s framing materials to ignite.
The molecular structure of the framing materials can be altered over time due to the process of pyrolasis, even in the absence of a chimney fire. Pyrolasis occurs as a result of prolonged periods of continued exposure to excessive heat which causes framing materials to become more flammable. Once the surrounding structural materials have become pyrolized, it greatly increases the likelihood of a fire occurring, even if those materials are exposed to relatively lower temperatures.
Alliance Chimney of Long Island has been servicing homeowners’ fireplaces and furnaces for over two decades and knows that a properly operating chimney and flue offer protection for you, your family members, and guests. The comprehensive line of Long Island chimney cleaning services that we provide were designed and developed to protect your family and your home from the dangers of carbon monoxide and other noxious gasses. Additionally, it will give you peace of mind knowing that your fireplace is safe to use this winter.
Maintaining the integrity of your chimney is important where the protection of your family and home is concerned. So if it has been a year or longer since your chimney was properly maintained, contact us immediately so that we can schedule an appointment for an annual chimney inspection today.
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