Chimney & Fireplace Cap, Cover and Damper Repairs

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Chimney Fireplace Cap, Cover and Damper
Repairs If you live along the Gulf Coast you
know that we get a lot of rain. In fact, we get
more rain than anyplace in the country,
including Seattle. Therefore, when it comes to
rainfall Mobile is first, Pensacola is second
and Seattle is a distant 41st. So much rain is a
big deal when it comes to fireplaces and
chimneys. As the Chimney Safety Institute of
America explains, water, not fire, causes most
chimney damage. Whether masonry or
factory-built, says the CSIA, prolonged water
exposure can result in cracks or gaps in
chimneys where creosote can collect and increase
the risk of fire or where noxious gases can
escape into your home and expose your family to
carbon monoxide. Fireplaces, Chimneys and
Leaks In basic terms the problem with fireplace
and chimney leakage is that water combines with
the creosote that remains from fires to form an
acidic mixture. Over time that mixture can eat
out the silica in the mortar joints. Once the
joints are no longer secure, moisture remember
all that Gulf Coast rain can get into the
house through the chimney. For example, if water
comes in through the chimney and is released
under the shingles it can lead to the need for a
roof replacement. Also, without proper sealing,
heat from fires can travel into areas which
should not be exposed to heat, dry out wood, and
in some cases actually cause the wood to catch on
fire. In fact, according to a staff report by
the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, there
are about 22,000 fires a year which are
associated with fireplaces, chimneys and chimney
connectors. Such fires can cause substantial
damage and in some cases may lead to
fatalities. Also, without caps it does happen
that birds and animals get into fireplaces.
Sometimes nests are built and in some cases
animals unable to get out die inside chimneys and
fireplaces. Noises and odors can result from
such problems. Caps, Covers and Dampers You can
protect your household with caps, covers and
dampers. Caps with spark arresters are devices
that go over the flue. They keep out both
moisture and animals, plus they help prevent
sparks from leaving the chimney. Covers are at
the top of the chimney, go around the flue, and
protect against moisture. Dampers are inside the
chimney itself. They can help create a proper
draft to achieve the best fire, plus when closed
they prevent animals from getting into the house.
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SootMaster Cap, Cover and Damper
Services Sootmaster can install, repair and
maintain caps, covers and dampers. We inspect
such devices as part of our basic chimney sweep
services in Panama City. We have many devices in
stock and can recommend the equipment which is
right for your fireplace and chimney, whether it
is masonry or metal, new or historic. Please
contact us today for more information. Article
Source https//www.sootmaster.net/chimney-firepla
ce-cap-cover-and-damper- repairs/