As a homeowner, you probably take safety precautions inside your home, but there are many chimney-related safety concerns you might have never considered. Understanding chimney safety practices and taking precautions to ensure chimney safety is essential for keeping your home and family safe. As an expert chimney company with decades of experience, check out three of our top chimney safety tips for Rochester homeowners:
Have your chimney capped
If you have your chimney professionally cleaned or inspected, your contractor will likely recommend having a cap installed on all flues. For older homes, replacing your chimney cap is also important as newer caps are stainless steel and do not rust. Chimney caps serve an important purpose, as they prevent leaks from rain, as well as prevent pest infestation and debris from entering your chimney and obstructing airflow.
Get an annual chimney cleaning and inspection
One of the easiest ways to maintain your chimney’s safety is by having an annual chimney cleaning and inspection for your Rochester home. A professional chimney contractor can fully inspect your chimney for any issues or obstructions, such as tree branches, pests, or leaks. Additionally, a chimney cleaning will remove all dirt and debris from your chimney system so there are no hazardous blockages or flammable risks.
Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
It’s important to have smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors installed on each level of your home. Some of these detectors are dual units that serve as both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. In addition to areas of your home where there are fuel burning appliances, additional alarms should be installed 10-20 feet from sources of CO like furnaces and fireplaces.
Do you have questions or concerns about chimney safety? Get in touch with the professional chimney cleaning, inspection, and repair experts at Four Winds Chimney in Rochester by calling (585) 727-1174. We’ll be happy to schedule chimney services at your convenience.
