If you seem to be having consistent draft or venting issues with your chimney, one thing to consider is the condition of your chimney cap. Airflow through the chimney is essential in keeping your fireplace running properly and keeping your home safe and smoke-free. Chimney caps have a very large effect on whether or not air is flowing properly through your house. Because of this, it is important to make sure you are getting regular professional inspections and cleanings to ensure the safety of your home and family.
Common Issues
There are various reasons your chimney cap could be failing to do its job properly and it is up to you to become educated on these things. Knowing how your chimney cap works and what issues it may have is important in maintaining a healthy chimney. Here are a few of the more common chimney cap issues that would cause draft problems in your chimney.
- Residue – If chimney residues build-up, this could clog up your chimney cap. Since this is the main source where the air from your chimney can escape, having excess dirt and creosote will cause some major issues when trying to properly ventilate. Air will have no place to go, limiting your ability to use your fireplace until the problem is resolved.
- Improper Installation – Chimney caps are designed to control how wind from the outside enters your chimney. This is important in proper ventilation. Without the cap, there is no way to control wind flow, making it an unreliable source for proper drafting. Getting the chimney cap in the ideal pressure zones is important in maintaining good draft flow. This is another reason to always consult a professional when assessing the condition of your fireplace.
- Cracks/Exterior Damage – An obvious thing to look out for is any type of physical damage to your chimney cap. If there are cracks or holes, then it will not be able to properly direct the airflow coming in. Your chimney cap does a lot of work for your chimney while facing the wear and tear of various weather conditions, so be sure to check for any possible repairs that may be needed. Then, consult SirVent Chimney and Venting Service to either fix or replace your chimney cap.
WHAT NOW?
After discovering what is causing the draft problems, it is important to fix the issue as soon as possible and not put your fireplace to use until the problem is resolved. The most important thing to consider when maintaining your personal fireplace is to make sure all parts of your chimney are up to code and that it is in the best condition possible. This will ensure that your home and family will remain safe through periods of more frequent burning. Be sure to consult with a certified chimney professional today that can properly fix your chimney system. Once your fireplace is ready, relax and enjoy!