A clogged chimney can cause serious problems, since the function of the chimney is not simply to contain the fire, but must ensure a correct extraction of the smoke that the fire generates.
If the chimney becomes clogged the gases and smoke will not be evacuated properly, which can lead to harmful health problems and even fire risk.
But exactly what problems can a clogged chimney cause?
Loss of efficiency: A clogged chimney reduces the amount of air that can circulate through it, which means that combustion does not occur efficiently. This will generate that the heat power of our fireplace is reduced.
Fire hazards: A clogged chimney increases the risk of flue gases accumulating inside the chimney, which can lead to a fire.
Smoke entry into the room: A clogged fireplace will not allow the correct exit of smoke to the outside of the house and will cause it to plaster the interior, which can be harmful to health for family members.
Structural problems: If the chimney is not clean and free of obstructions, the smoke produced from combustion can accumulate inside it, which can cause problems in the structure of the chimney such as cracks or detachments.
How do I know if my chimney is clogged?
If you suspect your chimney is clogged, you can do several tests to check it.
First, inspect the chimney for any visible physical signs of obstruction, such as soot, anything that has gotten stuck in the chimney duct, any bird’s nest that can be removed and is visible on top of the chimney…
If there are no visible signs, light the fire and see if the smoke comes out freely. If the chimney is clogged, you’ll notice an incomplete smoke vent or low combustion yield.
With the fireplace lit you can look at a small detail, the movement of the flame. If the chimney is clean, the flame should move upwards, pointing towards the smoke outlet.
How can I prevent my chimney from clogging
Clean the fireplace regularly. Cleaning is essential to prevent the chimney from becoming clogged.
The accumulation of soot and creosote on the walls of the fireplace can cause clogging of it, so after each use you carry out a cleaning of the entire appliance and, at least once a year, perform a professional chimney sweep.
Use quality firewood. Poor quality firewood contains a lot of moisture and is more likely to produce soot and creosote.
Regularly check the fireplace and make sure that no external objects fall into it. Sometimes air or rain can cause branches and leaves to sneak into the smoke outlet, clogging or clogging the tube.
You can place a chimney grid specifically designed to prevent the fall of bird nests and leaves. These grilles usually fit the chimney opening and have a fine-mesh design to allow smoke to come out without unwanted elements getting in.
What can I do that my chimney is already clogged
If you have already verified that your chimney is clogged or that there are objects that are blocking the correct smoke outlet, it is best to call a professional chimney sweep who can perform an in-depth inspection of your chimney and detect the problems in it.
Once the source of the problem is detected, the professional chimney sweep will chimney sweep and clean the ducts with professional tools that will ensure the best results.