Dangers of Your Chimney Being Too Low
What to Do When Your Chimney is Too Low
Chimneys are integral parts of a fireplace system, and if not built to the correct specifications, they can pose many dangers. As we explore these dangers, we'll also discuss why the chimney needs to be built to specific height requirements and why you should hire a repair professional to inspect your chimney.
How a Low Chimney Can Affect Your Health and Safety
Smoke Inhalation:
The first and most obvious danger of a low chimney is smoke inhalation. A chimney that's too low will not effectively remove smoke from your home, causing it to circulate in the air. This makes your home smell smokey and can lead to respiratory issues, especially for those with asthma or other lung problems.
Fire Hazards:
Another potential danger of a low chimney is the increased risk of a chimney fire. When a chimney is too low, there's not enough space for the smoke to disperse, which means that the tar and creosote that build up over time can easily catch on fire, leading to a devastating chimney fire.
It's essential to have a chimney that's high enough to create enough downdraft to carry smoke and other debris up and out of your home.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning:
If the smoke isn't vented out of your home correctly due to backdraft, it can create a dangerous level of carbon monoxide (CO) gas. CO is a colorless and odorless gas that can be deadly. Symptoms of CO poisoning include headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and fatigue; in severe cases, it can lead to death.
A low chimney can trap CO in your home, posing an extreme risk to you and your family.
Structural Damage:
A low chimney can also create structural problems for your home. When too much smoke and hot air are trapped inside, it can cause bricks and mortar in your chimney to break down, leading to costly repairs.
But a more severe danger could be found in the formation of ice dams. Ice dams can form on your roof if the warm air from the chimney isn't escaping correctly. This can lead to significant structural damage as the ice builds up and weighs down on your roof.
Call Piccadilly Chimney Sweep Today!
Don't let your chimney be the cause of danger for your home. If you need clarification on whether your chimney is built to the proper height requirements, it's essential to have it inspected by a professional chimney repair company.
The dangers of a low chimney height outweigh the cost of having it inspected, repaired, or rebuilt to ensure your and your family's safety. Contact Piccadilly Chimney Sweep, your top choice for Pittsburgh chimney repair, today!
Author: Piccadilly Chimney Sweep
Since 1990, Piccadilly Chimney Sweep of Pittsburgh has provided Western Pennsylvania with top-quality chimney cleaning, repairs, and rebuilding, as well as fireplace repair and cleaning services.