Most of us need to be made aware that our home chimney requires inspection on a regular basis.
Chimney inspection and cleaning are the biggest necessities for our health and property protection. If we look inside our home’s chimney, we will be surprised by the soot and creosote buildup and may look for immediate cleanup. But because we are unaware of the hazardous material inside the chimney, we act normally without realizing the dangerous outcomes of an unclean chimney.
Your dirty and unclean chimney contains soot and creosote. Soot is a black or brown powdery substance accumulating on the chimney’s walls. Creosote is a dark, tar-like substance that can build up and harden inside the chimney. A dirty chimney may also contain debris such as leaves, twigs, and other materials that can collect in the chimney, blocking airflow and increasing the risk of fire. Birds may also make their nests inside the chimney, which can cause further blockages and other problems.
How A Dirty Chimney Can Endanger Your Home
A dirty chimney may put your home or property at stake. Here are the threats your house is vulnerable to with a dirty chimney.
Chimney Fire
Chimney fires occur when creosote, a highly flammable substance that builds up inside chimneys over time, ignites. Chimney fires are one of the severe risks that may occur due to unclean and dirty chimneys. A chimney fire is not just a mere threat to the chimney or house; instead, your family is also vulnerable to serious danger.
According to CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America), most chimney fires reach over 2000 Fahrenheit, enough to melt mortar, liners, and flue, and can damage the entire masonry within minutes, resulting in the need for expensive repairs or even chimney replacement. If the chimney fire is not controlled, it can spread to other parts of the home, potentially causing extensive damage or even a full-blown house fire. Sometimes the chimney fire ignites combustible materials such as nearby insulation or combustible gasses. It can also lead to an explosion, causing severe damage and putting you and your family’s life at risk.
Chimney Blowback
It happens when there is a blockage in the chimney or when it is not cleaned for a long time. It causes smoke and combustion gasses to be forced back into a room instead of being carried up by a chimney. It can increase the risk of a house fire since the gasses forced back into the room can ignite and cause a fire. It also causes significant damage to your property. The smoke and combustion gasses that enter the room can leave soot and other debris on the walls, ceilings, and furniture that may cause not only damage to your property but also decline the resale value.
How A Dirty Chimney Can Cause Severe Health Issues
Respiratory Issues
Soot and creosote buildup can create blockages that prevent smoke and harmful gasses from escaping the house, leading to an increase in indoor air pollution. This can cause respiratory problems such as coughing, wheezing, and asthma attacks.
Emission of Poisonous CO
A chimney can produce carbon monoxide (CO) when fuel is burned incompletely. This happens because of soot and creosote buildup that limits the supply of oxygen. Incomplete combustion results in the production of CO instead of carbon dioxide (CO2). CO poisoning can cause headaches that can range from mild to severe. It can cause dizziness and confusion making it difficult to perform routine tasks. Exposure to high levels of CO may result in nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. CO can also cause shortness of breath and chest pain, especially in people with underlying respiratory conditions. In severe cases, CO poisoning can lead to loss of consciousness, coma, and even death.
Allergens
A dirty chimney can accumulate a lot of dust, soot, and debris over time. When this debris is released into the air, it can settle on surfaces in your home, including your skin causing skin irritation and allergic reactions in some people. A dirty chimney that is not properly ventilated can also lead to the growth of mold and mildew. These fungi can release spores into the air, which can cause allergic reactions and even eye diseases in some people. It can also attract insects and pests, such as mice, rats, and cockroaches. These pests can carry allergens that can cause various types of allergies.
Read More: What Are Air Duct Coils & How to Clean Them?
Why Risk Your Life And Property? Get Your Chimney Professionally Cleaned At Alpha Clean Air
If you haven’t had your chimney cleaned in the past year, it is time to take action. A dirty chimney can cause many hazards that can seriously impact your home’s safety and your family’s health.
By scheduling a chimney cleaning service with Alpha Clean Air, you can have peace of mind. Our professionals and trained staff cover all aspects of chimney cleaning, from removing debris and creosote buildup to inspecting the chimney’s interior. We use the latest equipment to clean the chimney thoroughly and safely.
Don’t risk the safety and comfort of your home – contact Alpha Clean Air at (862) 500-3828 and schedule your chimney inspection now!
