The Farmers’ Almanac and weather forecasters always try to paint a picture for us of the upcoming winter but the bottom line is that Mother Nature is always unpredictable and rolls with her own Chimney removal Melbourne agenda. Whether it’s snow,
icy cold rain, windy conditions or ice, these conditions take a toll on your chimney and fireplace. Have you had your chimney inspected and cleaned this year? If you lose power is your alternate heating system back-up plan ready? Will it operate safely and efficiently?
When conditions are right freezing rain can build up on trees and power lines in a matter of minutes. As little as 0.2″ of ice can cause tree limbs to break taking down power lines pretty quickly. According to Wikipedia one quarter of an inch of ice accumulation can add about 500 pounds of weight per line span between electricity poles and/or connections. If power is lost a fireplace or woodstove can provide some much needed heat to allow you to stay in your home and help prevent water pipes from freezing. Having your chimney checked and cleaned ahead of time will provide you with peace of mind and the confidence that your back-up plan is in place.
When moisture in the form of rain, ice and snow enters your chimney and fireplace it can quickly make a mess. This moisture mixes with the residue in the chimney, which is often caustic, creating a residue that can lead to premature degradation of the structure. If your chimney doesn’t have a cover your chimney will be simulating one giant rain gauge. Having a chimney cap installed is like having an umbrella on your chimney. It helps to prevent rain from entering the chimney.
Chimney caps with spark arrestors deter animals from entering the warm flue and causing a blockage. This is an unhealthy location for the animal and can cause flue gasses to back up into your home – flue gasses that contain carbon monoxide. Springtime nests can also create a blockage and nests have been known to ignite, giving a dirty chimney the fuel to become a full-fledged chimney fire.
