Before discussing the potential dangers of an inadequate or dilapidated fireplace and how to keep it in the most optimal condition, we must begin this topic by considering the advantageous features of a fireplace from the beginning, especially if you are building a home on your own. Knowing how the chimney system can remove the unwanted substances emitted during the combustion process will allow us to carry out the chimney repair in the simplest way. Good fireplaces are characterized by:
* high-quality workmanship – The manufacturer must ensure the long-term efficiency of the fireplace, therefore it is very important that it offers a guarantee of at least 30 years. Apart from this, you must check that your fireplace has the appropriate certificates, that it does not have flammable materials in its components, and that the chimney tuckpointing is in the most optimal conditions.
* Proper fit into the entire ventilation system of the house – This aspect is a matter of the good design of the house, but if it is a pipe from the fireplace or the free-standing stove that was purchased after the construction of the house, it is recommended that you design this additional connection very carefully.
* Carefully carried out acceptance procedure – The new fireplace must be accepted by a master chimney sweep, which guarantees its proper functioning.
* Efficiency in carrying smoke and fumes from the fireplace directly into the atmosphere – It is recommended that you do chimney inspections if you feel smoke odors in your home, it may be that the fireplace has problems.
* effectiveness in providing an adequate amount of air – It is imperative for the combustion process and its primary source is the chimney duct.
* The chimney will also be able to prevent fire – Here prevention is completely imperative.
* resistance to both flue gases and condensate – These two substances are produced simultaneously during the combustion process.
* The fireplace must not have any unplanned opening for it to function properly. Remember that combustion produces potentially dangerous substances for humans, especially carbon monoxide, which is very deadly and its formation should be avoided at all costs.
What are the risks of a poorly functioning chimney?
If your fireplace has a malfunction, one of the clear symptoms of this is a large disruption in the flow of smoke or fumes that can put the health of your family and your infrastructure at risk. Although there are modern stoves that are theoretically capable of detecting if the flow of unwanted substances through the chimney is working properly, their use is not recommended due to the lack of precision that they can present.
And what are we risking? The deterioration of our chimney is a long process.
At first, you will notice a reduction in cug, which is the noticeable flow of air through the chimney. That is a red flag since progressively it will be more difficult to light a fire in the fireplace or more smoke will enter the room. The causes can be varied, such as a bird’s nest above the fireplace. However, one of the most common causes may be the gradual deposition of soot on the internal walls of the chimney, produced in each combustion process, which reduces the cross-sectional area to the point of obstructing the air and smoke flow.