If you rely on a wood-burning fireplace to warm your home, you must stick to a strict chimney maintenance routine year-round. If you expect comfort and exceptional fireplace functionality, it helps to work with local chimney services. This is the only guarantee that chimney problems won't catch you off guard, especially in the cold season.

The chimney isn't a low-maintenance system. When you install a fireplace and chimney, you must know the critical repair and service routine needed. A wood-burning fireplace can cause damage to your home if the chimney is neglected and inefficient. Fortunately, chimney professionals help you to inspect the system and fix potential problems. 

Here are issues that chimney services can fix.

1. Creosote Buildup

Although some chimney problems are structural, creosote buildup is unavoidable. When wood burns, soot accumulates inside the chimney flue. With time, soot combines with the byproducts of combustion to form highly flammable tar. Creosote causes many house fires annually. To prevent the same in your home, call local chimney services to inspect and clean the flue. Creosote removal enhances safety and boosts the system's efficiency. Indeed, national fire authorities advocate for annual chimney inspections to control creosote buildup.

2. Flue Cracking

The interior chamber of your chimney withstands extreme heat and buildup of harmful substances. The flue is highly exposed, and it's one of the areas that chimney services must prioritize during the inspection. If they detect cracks, it signals further damage. 

Experienced chimney professionals use cameras to determine the extent of damage inside the flue. It would help if you stopped using the fireplace to allow technicians to repair the lining. Early detection of cracks in this chamber prevents further damage and costly chimney replacement.

3. Blockage

Chimney obstruction causes numerous fireplace issues, and it drives smoke back into your home. Other than creosote buildup, animal infestation, debris, and ambient drafts also cause blockage. If you have a broken chimney cap, small rodents or birds can build nests, affecting the upward flow of smoke. 

If you suspect the chimney is blocked, call your local chimney services immediately. They clear the blockage and reinforce the cap to prevent small animals from building nests. Indeed, unobstructed chimney flue operates effectively and prevents carbon monoxide poisoning.

4. Brickwork Problems

If the masonry work goes unattended for years, your chimney deteriorates and crumbles. Reliable chimney services start by examining the structural integrity of the brickwork. They recommend tuckpointing to restore chimney stability. Reinforced brickwork prevents moisture from seeping into the structure and reduces the chances of a chimney collapse.