It is critical that every chimney in a home be maintained properly. Any small cracks in the side of a chimney can allow dangerous fumes to enter the home. Annual furnace inspections should include the chimney. If any defects are found Chimney Sweeping Services in Brooklyn NY should be brought in to further assess and correct the situation. The days of small boys being hoisted down through the chimney have long since ended. Modern chimney sweeps rely on sophisticated cameras to let them see the inside of the chimney. Browse website for more information.
Most Chimney Sweeping Services in Brooklyn NY begin with a thorough cleaning. The main purpose of this is to ensure that there is no creosote build-up. When creosote starts to line the chimney, it reduces airflow and makes the heating system work harder. Creosote is also flammable. Unfortunately, it can catch on fire and cause serious damage to the house.
Cracks in the chimney can also allow water to seep into the structure. Therefore, these have to be quickly sealed. Mold and mildew can find a home here as easily as they can anywhere else in the home. Professional chimney sweeps have several options to seal the sides of a chimney. For minor repairs they can apply a sealant and water repellent to the external side of the chimney. More severe problems will require tuck-pointing be performed by professional Chimney Sweeping Services in Brooklyn NY. This painstaking process requires that the deteriorating mortar between the bricks be replaced with new mortar. Bricks can last about a hundred years, but mortar wears out much more quickly – usually every 25 years. If this is not done, the chimney may collapse.
While water and creosote can wreak havoc with chimneys, so can animals. Raccoons and squirrels are naturally curious about warm places. Anyone who has heard a raccoon screech in the middle of the night will not forget it. It’s just as unnerving to see tiny claws coming out from the drywall. If homeowners put up with this, they might end up smelling a decomposing body. It’s best to call a professional to remove the animal and then have a US Chimney Brooklyn, NY sweep install a cap on top of the chimney. This will prevent any animal from entering the chimney.
