There is nothing quite like curling up next to your fireplace with a warm drink or a glass of wine during the winter months. As the cold season approaches, you want to ensure that you can enjoy your time by the fire, especially after a long day at work or during a relaxing weekend indoors. Just think about how much colder and longer your days might feel if you couldn’t use your fireplace this winter.
The chilly winters in Levittown, PA, impact both us and our chimneys. In this blog, we will explore some of the issues that cold weather can create for chimneys and how to address or prevent these problems.
- Breaking Down Bricks and Mortar
The combination of cold weather and winter precipitation like rain, sleet, and snow can be quite damaging to masonry chimneys. Bricks and mortar are naturally absorbent materials that absorb moisture like a sponge. When temperatures drop below freezing, the trapped water turns to ice. As the ice expands, tiny cracks form in the brick-and-mortar joints. When the temperature rises, the ice melts, and the freeze-thaw cycle begins anew. This ongoing process leads to further deterioration, with cracks widening over time. To protect your chimney from the effects of freezing and melting, applying a waterproof sealant to the exterior is the most effective solution
- Backdrafts
Having smoke back up into your home is never a pleasant experience. Even worse is what that smoke brings with it: deadly carbon monoxide, which is both invisible and odorless. In winter, your chimney flue can absorb the cold outside air, creating a block of heavy, cold air that prevents the lighter, warmer air (i.e., smoke) from rising and escaping through the chimney.
If backdrafts are your only issue, the solution can be as simple as holding some kindling or a lit rolled-up newspaper near the damper for a few minutes to warm the flue before you start your fire.
- Flue Obstruction
During the cold winter months, birds, squirrels, raccoons, and other animals are searching for a warm place to stay. Climbing up a chimney is just like climbing a tree, especially when they’re being chased by a predator. Once they reach the top of the chimney, these naturally curious creatures may jump into an open flue to take a break. Unfortunately, they often find themselves unable to escape and get trapped, which can block the venting of smoke and fumes. Strong winds can also blow leaves, twigs, and other debris into the flue, leading to obstructions. These blockages are dangerous because they can cause toxic carbon monoxide gas to back up into your home instead of properly exiting through the chimney.
- Cold Hearth Syndrome
Cold weather can impact the chimney’s draft, leading to a situation known as cold hearth syndrome. This occurs when the chimney is cooler than the interior of the home, making it challenging to light the fireplace and potentially causing a dangerous backdraft. The absence of hot air results in the denser cold air falling back down, which pushes smoke and exhaust out of the fireplace rather than up and out of the chimney. To minimize the risk of a backdraft, warming the flue before lighting the fireplace is advisable. You can do this by burning a piece of cardboard or tightly rolled newspaper and holding it under the flue inside the firebox until you notice the airflow reversing and moving up the chimney, signaling that it is safe to light the fireplace.
- Producing the Stack Effect
Stack effect occurs when the warm air in your home rises, leading to increased air pressure in the upper levels and a significant drop in pressure below. As a result, the airflow in your home can reverse, potentially drawing cold air down the chimney. But the stack effect has more drawbacks than just uncomfortable gusts of cold air. Also, warming the chimney before starting a fire can be beneficial. A simple method to do this is by making a torch from rolled-up newspaper, lighting it, and holding it up in the chimney. You will know it’s effective when the smoke rises straight up. If these methods fail, it’s advisable to reach out to a chimney professional, as using your fireplace under these conditions can be dangerous.
Conclusion
Winter in Levittown, PA, can be quite harsh, and it brings several challenges for your chimney. The freeze-thaw cycle can damage bricks and mortar, while backdrafts and blockages can threaten your home’s safety. Without proper care, a chimney can quickly turn into more of a hassle than a source of warmth. But you don’t have to tackle these problems on your own.
Chimney repair companies recognize the impact that Levittown’s tough, snowy winters can have on your chimney. Whether you are dealing with cracks in the masonry, flue blockages, or annoying drafts, our skilled team is ready to assist you anytime you need us. We are available 24/7 to offer expert chimney repairs and maintenance, making sure your fireplace is prepared to keep you warm and comfortable throughout the season.
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