Winter is the perfect time to be cozy at home with your fireplace. It can be frustrating when problems arise with your chimney when you are ready to put it to use. Issues with your chimney should be taken seriously to avoid damaging its structure or risking a dangerous fire in your home. Advanced Chimney Sweeps, a chimney sweep service in Marietta, GA, discusses four common winter problems with chimneys and what they could mean for your fireplace plans.

Drafts through fireplace

Many fireplace owners notice cold air coming from the hearth in the winter months. This can make your home uncomfortable and drive up your energy bill. The draft can indicate an issue with the damper, the metal fixture that sits at the top of your chimney. A chimney sweep service can install a custom-fit damper so that cold air does not enter your home through the fireplace any longer.

Animal pests

When the weather becomes cooler, animals seek shelter from cold temperatures and harsh weather. This could mean creatures will make a home in your chimney. Indicators that an animal has taken residence in your flue include scratching sounds and visible nesting from your home’s exterior. A chimney cap will keep critters out of your chimney. Professional chimney sweeps can install a customized cap that will fit your chimney, keeping animals out and letting smoke pass freely and effectively.

Smoke dispersal

Smoke that spreads through a room should not be ignored. Smoke can damage your furniture and interior walls, as well as pose a health risk to a house’s occupants. The dispersal of smoke through your home could occur for several reasons:

• Chimney height: a short chimney can be lengthened by a professional to improve the draft, giving smoke room to disperse through the flue.
• Clogged chimney: your flue may be clogged if you see smoke in your home, which can be resolved with a chimney sweep.
• Wind: outdoor interference can interrupt the draft of smoke leaving your home and push it back down the chimney, but a chimney cap installation can amend this problem.

A professional chimney sweep can perform an inspection to determine the smoke’s causation, which will lead to an effective solution.

Weather damage

Winter brings harsh weather that can wreak havoc on your chimney. Snow and rainwater can be absorbed into the pores of the bricks that make up your chimney. Cold temperatures can freeze this water, causing the bricks to expand. This can lead to damage to the structure of your chimney. Leaks are often more visible when the weather turns warmer. However, if you notice any problems with your chimney’s integrity, you should contact a professional to inspect your chimney.

Call a chimney sweep in Marietta, GA

If you need a chimney sweep in the Atlanta area, contact Advanced Chimney Sweeps, headquartered in Marietta, GA. We offer chimney service and repair, inspections, sweeping, and more in the North Atlanta metropolitan area. To schedule an appointment, contact our office online or call us at 770.884.6475.