Caring for an oil furnace
If you have an oil furnace, it needs a chimney liner. The fuel used in an oil furnace creates an oil mist. If this is not correctly vented outside, the substance will buildup on surfaces around the home and seep through chimney mortar into your living spaces. The purpose of any good chimney liner, or flue, is to keep the smoke, fumes, and toxic gases from collecting indoors in a process called “puff-back.” Keep an eye out for the following signs of poor venting:
- Paint peeling off the walls
- White stains on outside of chimney
- Stains on the ceiling
- Eroded chimney mortar
- Crumbling bricks
- Damp patches on interior or exterior walls or peeling wallpaper
These examples are due to the moisture-laden gases leaking into your living area, caused by unlined or improperly lined chimneys used with gas and oil appliances.
Why do gas fireplaces require maintenance?
Gas appliances, including fireplaces, produce highly corrosive and acidic gases that will eat away at the lining and masonry of your home's chimney. Once the lining begins to break down, it's only a matter of time before your chimney is blocked and your home is invaded with carbon monoxide. You won't be able to see any external symptoms until the damage is extreme and expensive, but you and your family members will be breathing these harmful fumes until the problem is corrected. Stay ahead of the risk with regular inspections from our team, and you'll breathe that much easier.
Get a professional chimney inspection
Don't let neglect or maintenance issues cause permanent damage to your home or interfere with your family's health. Call the professional cleaners at Top Hat Chimney & Masonry to care for any kind of fireplace and all the elements that go into keeping it safe and watertight. We'll make your health and safety our priority!