The
purpose of the chimney is to give certain products of combustion,
which are toxic, a safe exit outside of the home. Chimneys are generally
built at the same time the house is, therefore in older homes, the
chimney may have been used to service three or four different types
of heating technologies- coal, oil, wood or gas. Every time the
heating equipment is changed, the chimney needs to be in accordance
with its new system. The old chimney may not meet the requirements
of the new venting system.
Condensation inherent in new high-efficiency
equipment can cause major chimney damage
As a result of a new modern efficient gas furnace installed in the
chimney shown here, the new furnace created enormous condensation
in the chimney itself which caused the flue inside and the chimney
exterior to be completely damaged.
In addition to the condensation created by the newer furnace or
boiler chimneys over time deteriorates as well. The outside of the
chimney is exposed to weather, including cold air, water, snow and
ice. The inside of the chimney is repeatedly heated and cooled,
which causes problems with temperature-related expansion and contraction.
Add on top of that potential hazards from wind and storm debris,
and repairs that may not have used the proper mortar and you have
a repair in the making.
But these hazards don�t take into account what happens inside the
chimney day-in and day-out. The inside lining of the structure,
which is traditionally made of terra cotta tile � can be damaged
by water, sulfur and household solvents. These chemicals, along
with water, break down the surface of the chimney lining. This damage
occurs whether you use oil or gas as a heating fuel. Once the surface
is damaged, the chimney lining deteriorates and small pieces of
debris begin to accumulate at the base of the chimney. Advanced
deterioration of the lining can cause the chimney to admit soot
and toxic gases into the living space of the home.
Conventional chimney maintenance requires regular
inspection
and
cleaning.
Periodically, the outer mortar must be repaired, too. Ultimately,
the chimney must be
relined or
repaired
when the deterioration to the inside lining becomes significant.
As you may have guessed,
relining
or
repairs of
a chimney aren�t cheap! It�s also one of those repairs that
can�t be put off, and since it has to be done right, it is best
done by someone who is experienced and certified by CSIA (Chimney
Safety Institute of America).
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