What’s Blocking Your Chimney?
A chimney’s job is to safely transport the toxic byproducts of combustion up from your fireplace or stove through the flue and into the atmosphere. When your chimney is clogged by debris, nests, or any other form of blockages, you may be facing several problems including:
- Your chimney won’t be able to draft correctly
- Your fireplace/stove and chimney will become less efficient
- The blockage can become a fire hazard
- The blockage can cause carbon monoxide or other toxic fumes to vent into your home
- The blockage can create unpleasant odors (as in the case of a dead animal) or sounds (as in the case of nesting animals)
If you have a chimney that’s been properly maintained, cleaned annually, and outfitted with the necessary components to keep debris and Mother Nature out and sparks inside, then you shouldn’t have to be concerned with anything getting inside your chimney. However, if you’re unsure if your chimney has a cap or top-sealing damper or if you’ve been hearing the twittering of birds inside your chimney or smell a dead animal, then there’s a very good chance that your chimney has become a home to unwelcome guests and needs a professional inspection and sweeping.
Those of us at Beach Stove and Fireplace will be able to quickly and completely remove your chimney blockage so that you can feel confident that your fireplace and chimney are once again safe for your enjoyment. Our sweeps are all certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America. You will even be able to see for yourself that your chimney blockage is gone via one of our closed circuit cameras. We’ll also be able to suggest ways to keep blockages out of your chimney for good. (See our suggestions below.)
6 Things That May Be Clogging Your Chimney
The truth is that we never quite know what we’ll find inside an uncapped chimney. We’ve found some interesting and sometimes perplexing things—petrified animals, stray toys, etc. Here are our most common discoveries:
- Birds’ Nests: Because birds are always searching for someplace warm, dry, and away from predators, the chimney is often an ideal home for them. Believe it or not, we are not able to clear any and all nests out of your chimney. If we determine that the nests belong to a type of bird called a “chimney swift,” then the Migratory Bird Treaty Act prevents us from removing them. The law exists to protect these birds, which got their name specifically because they nest almost exclusively in chimneys, as they want to nest on vertical walls in dark, enclosed areas such as inside chimneys, hollow trees, or caves. Believe it or not, the chimney swift has become far less common since fewer people use their chimneys than once did.
- Vermin: We commonly find insect infestations inside chimneys, as well as opossums, squirrels, raccoons, and mice who use the chimney as their den. As you can imagine, animals can create quite a big stink and plenty of noise. And because they multiply, this problem only tends to worsen if not dealt with.
- Foliage: An uncapped chimney, especially one that’s near one or more trees, may quickly collect leaves, branches, flying seed pods, and other tree debris.
- Debris and Trash: In addition to Mother Nature’s debris, we sometimes find bits of paper and plastic that have ended up inside the chimney.
- Creosote and Soot: The byproducts of combustion can build up so profoundly that they impede the flow of air inside your chimney. A good cleaning by one of our C.S.I.A. certified professionals can clear this issue up for you.
- Assorted flying objects: This may sound like a joke, but we’ve been known to find golf balls, Frisbees, kickballs, Christmas decorations, and other surprises inside chimneys.
How to Prevent Chimney Blockages
Following a professional cleaning, the very best way to keep animals, debris, and trash out of your chimney is to have a chimney cap or top-sealing damper installed. These components have additional advantages, too, and can add years to the life of your chimney by keeping damaging rainwater out.
If you suspect something is blocking your chimney, call Beach Stove and Fireplace today. We can be reached at 631-998-0780.