A fireplace might seem like a luxury to many, but to those that enjoy the warmth, glow, and cozy comfort of their fireplace, it can be practically essential, depending upon the time of year. Whether it's a place to hang stockings, read a good book, or even enjoy a meal, your fireplace can add that little something extra that helps your house feel like a home. Naturally, it's important to keep it working properly, and that's especially important to check and verify when you know that the colder months are approaching and your fireplace is going to see some use. Chimney repair in Alpharetta can be an essential step in making sure your fireplace is safe, functional, and ready to be enjoyed. Cleaning is also an important step, and whenever your chimney is cleaned, you should also make sure that it's inspected for any repair needs. Keep It Clean It's recommended that your chimney be cleaned at least once annually, although that can definitely change depending upon the amount of use. If you use your fireplace more frequently, you may have sootier buildup than is acceptable, and your fireplace will need to be cleaned more often. Before you use your fireplace, always make sure that you get it inspected and cleaned or repaired first. There's no need to risk a fire hazard, and you'll feel much more confident in the safety and reliability of your fireplace after it has been tended to and cleared for operation. Keep It Fixed Chimney liner repair is one of the most common repair needs for a chimney. What is that, and why does it matter? Misaligned flue liners can leave cracks and spaces between joints, which then need to be filled. Unfilled joints or improperly filled joints can lead to potential fire hazards by allowing flammable creosote (a by-product from wood combustion) to build up over time. It will inevitably be creviced between the outside of your flue liner and the inside of the chimney casing. This combustible material can ignite due to heat, and it's possible for the heat or even flames to escape into your home. This problem isn't unique to fireplaces, but due to improper practices, it's an all-too-common one. A misaligned flue liner or unsealed or improperly sealed joints can always be a fire hazard. Masons have been known to use standard masonry mortar to fill in joints, and this is not a safe practice. Standard mortar cannot handle the conditions of a fireplace and is not an approved refractory material. In fact, standard mortar has nearly no refractory properties. Yes, a fireplace can be a wonderful addition to a home. They're beautiful and enjoyable, and if properly cared for, they can last for many years and be part of many wonderful memories. However, with fire always comes the potential for fire hazards, and it's always best to be careful. If you need chimney repair in Alpharetta, it's always best to hire skilled, trained professionals, who can get the job done right the first time.
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