When most homeowners think about home maintenance, they often think about the visible areas, such as eye-catching interiors, roofing, or landscaping. Unfortunately, the one thing that is often overlooked is the chimney, until it’s too late.
You should never overlook your chimney. It’s because any chimney issue, especially a leaky chimney, can lead to bigger problems that often range from health hazards to structural damage. Here, we’ll expound more on why you shouldn’t ignore your chimney:
It Can Lead To Structural Damage
Ignoring your chimney’s maintenance can lead to severe structural damage. This is especially the case if you have a leaky chimney. Water can easily seep into the mortar and bricks of your chimney—making it decay and erode over time.
In areas where there is a cold climate, the freeze-thaw cycle can further enhance this issue as frozen water expands. The result of this is larger cracks and deterioration of your chimney. This structural damage can compromise the functionality of your chimney.
It can potentially make it collapse or become unstable. This instability can require complete reconstruction or expensive repairs.
It Can Lead To Fire Hazards
One of the most fatal risks that comes with ignoring your chimney is the possibility of fire hazards. A poorly maintained or clogged chimney can accumulate oily residue from burning wood (creosote). This residue can catch fire—facilitating a catastrophic chimney fire that will result in extensive repairs.
Also, the fires can bring about structural damage and reduced property value. To avoid this from happening, seek the services of chimney maintenance and repair professionals. These professionals have the necessary skills and experience to ensure that your chimney is in top form and shape. Also, they will help to reduce any expensive future repairs due to a neglected chimney.
It Can Subject You To Toxic Fumes
Not cleaning your chimney can ensure that you suffer from ventilation issues. The path in the chimney must be free of obstacles so fumes can pass through easily. Otherwise, these flames will accumulate in your home.
Sometimes, small animals like rodents, squirrels, & birds can build nets at the top of your chimney—causing a blockage. The blockage can lead to the spread of toxic flames in your home, which is a safety and health hazard. The toxic flames can make you experience unconsciousness, dizziness, headaches, and sometimes even death.
It Can Make Mold And Mildew Grow
When you have a leaky chimney, there is a high chance that mold and mildew will grow. This can spread to other areas of your house and pose health risks to you and your family. Mold and mildew can bring about allergies, respiratory problems, and other diseases.
In addition to the health-related impacts, mold, and mildew can also cause an off-putting odor in your chimney. Therefore, you must address leaky chimneys early.
It Can Lead To Reduced Energy Efficiency
A chimney that does not function well can directly cause your heating system to be inefficient. When your chimney does not expel gases and smoke well, it forces heating appliances like stoves and furnaces to work harder—increasing your energy bill.
The lack of energy efficiency can also act as a red flag for prospective buyers. It can taint their perception of the value of your home. Also, it can make your house less appealing in the competitive market.
It Can Lead To Issues With Insurance Companies
Most home insurance companies will require you to do an annual inspection and cleaning of your entire home. Failure to do that can ensure that they do not reimburse you for damages. Also, it can cause them to cancel the insurance policy.
In the long run, it’s cheaper to clean and maintain your chimney. In case of anything, the insurance company will not have any objection when it comes to reimbursing you.
It Will Lead To Roof And Attic Damage
A leaky chimney can severely compromise the integrity of your roof as well as the attic. This is because the water will damage shingles, weaken roof supports, and cause wood to rot. Over time, the leaky chimney can deteriorate your roof’s structure.
This deteriorated roof may require you to invest in expensive repairs or replacements.
In Conclusion…
A chimney is a significant part of your home, just as your roof or walls are. So, you shouldn’t ignore its repair and maintenance. As you can see from above, ignoring your chimney can lead to catastrophic results. Therefore, seek the services of professional chimney repair and maintenance experts before it’s too late.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.