One of the worst things that can happen to your home is fire damage. Dirty chimneys cause a good portion of the fires that break out in the houses. Sadly, very few homeowners understand the connection between unmaintained chimneys and home fires. The damages caused by a malfunctioned chimney go beyond fire damage. It is why, as a homeowner, your list of home maintenance activities to take part in should include cleaning your chimney
Here are the three other benefits that you gain when you invest in regular chimney cleaning.
1. You Protect Yourself from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Another common risk in poorly maintained homes is carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is one of the main byproducts of the combustion process. When you fail to clean your chimney regularly, you encourage the buildup of creosote inside the chimney. The sticky substance blocks the chimney and prevents oxygen from getting into the fireplace. As your chimney gets continuously blocked, the risk of carbon monoxide filling up your home also increases.
Note that carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, and lethal when inhaled in large quantities. If you are not careful about the gas, it can cause massive damage before detection. Call a professional to clean your chimneys and avoid such an eventuality.
2. You Protect Your House from Vermin
Rats, mice, squirrels, and raccoons hide in the home's darkest and least-disturbed corners. If you neglect your chimney for a long time, the animals will camp there and refuse to leave. Clogged and dirty chimneys are also a regular breeding ground for birds. These animals typically leave behind droppings, which increases the dirt and other biological health hazards in your home. When you call in a professional to clean the chimney and clear out the dirt, you protect your home from these pests.
3. You Preserve the Life of Your Home
Smoke and creosote also shorten the life of your chimney. When the flute gets blocked, and the ventilation worsens, the chances of a home fire breaking out increase. The damage caused by such a fire will be extensive and more expensive to repair than the cost of maintaining the chimney.
A clean and healthy chimney also translates to a clean and healthy home. However, cleaning the chimney yourself will not solve the problem. Take your time and choose a professional contractor to clean your chimney regularly. They will increase the life, safety, and security of your chimney and the entire house.
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