One of the most troublesome issues to identify in any house is the development of mold. Mold damage happens gradually. You may never see it until it’s past the point of no return. Did you know when mold spread entirely to your house it can harm your family?
Like any other home exterior, mold can also develop and multiply in your chimney when dimness, poor ventilation, and sogginess exist. To prevent issues like this, start looking for these visible signs.
In addition, chimneys can create negative pressure inside your building envelope and cause the dynamics of moisture to shift and be drawn into your home. It may seem unlikely, but the fireplace in your home may have several ways to fail and ultimately produce water damage and mold in your home.
• Check Your Ventilation
Poor ventilation traps condensation, which promotes an environment conducive for mold build-up.
• Maybe the Chimney Crown Is Broken
If your chimney crown is damaged, water can pass through creating a damp environment, resulting in mold growth. A tiny crack is enough for mold to build up around your chimney and fireplace.
• Bricks and Mortars Are Not Waterproof
Check if your brick and mortar are correctly waterproof with sealant. Water will leak through it if your brick and mortar are sealed improperly.
• Smokestack Cap Failure
If the pipe on your chimney is damage from an unfavorable weather condition, or not correctly installed, most likely it cannot keep the dampness out.
• Eliminating Mold from Your Fireplace Is Not an Easy Job
Once you notice mold in your chimney, set up an immediate appointment for a fun guy inspection if you cannot do it on your own. Health risks associated with molds are dangerous and might cause more trouble for your family. Skilled professionals from Fun Guy Inspections can remove all your mold problems completely.
The Unpleasant Negative Health Effects of Mold to Your Family
Mold can cause breathing issues, such as common cold, coughing, headache, sore throat, and wheezing. On the other hand, mold spores when inhaled can cause serious ailments. An asthma attack, for example, followed by some allergic reactions, sinusitis, and the worst possible disease you can get from a mold is pneumonia.
Mold Prevention Tips for Your Chimney and Fireplace
• Fixing the primary source of dampness is the ideal approach to avoid mold growth. Without moisture, mold won’t develop.
• Proper waterproofing of your chimney is the answer to prevent mold growth. It should be done after it’s been examined and fixed by a professional. Fixing it will prevent water from leaking.
• Schedule your chimney for a consult and inspection regularly. You can also set an appointment schedule to check your chimney for any damages after suffering from bad weather. This technique will prevent future problems.
The simple tips mentioned above will help you save money in the future and can keep your chimney and fireplace mold-free.
Fireplace Safety Guidelines – review
Regardless of how bad the season is, you can always find your inner peace and happiness in cold weather. Especially when nestled in front of the warmth of your fireplace. Certainly, cuddling in front of the lovely and warm fireplace is one of the few superb things that you can do in a cold winter day.
As beautiful as flames can be, you should not disregard the fact that a fireplace, when not properly maintained, can pose a serious health risk to you and your family. According to a study, 42% of home accidents were fireplace-related.
Enjoy the warmth that your fireplace gives you in the winter season by maintaining and keeping safety precautionary measures before and after using it.
Ensure that your cold nights can be filled with warmth with these simple tips on how to keep your fireplace safe.
- The Fire Must Not Be Left Unattended
A fire when left unattended may cause harm to every member of your family. Make sure that you extinguish the fire before tucking in your bed.
- Children Must Not Get Too Close To The Fire
Do not allow your children to play near the fire even if you were there watching them. A fire is one dangerous thing, and children should keep their distance.
- Don’t Ever Try Burning Trash And Used Home Supplies In Your Fireplace
Trash and some used home supplies such as glues and empty inks can produce toxins when burned in the fireplace. These toxins, once inhaled by your family, can cause breathing problems.
- During Cold Months, Your Firebox Must Be Cleaned At Least Once A Week
Cold weather is bed weather, and it makes a person lazy. It is a struggle to do your daily routine, but you must do your best to get up in bed and clean your firebox at least once a week.
- Keep One Window Open When Using The Fireplace
In this way, you can prevent the smoky feeling in your room. The air coming from the open window helps push the smoke up to your chimney.
- A Nonflammable Rug Is An Essential
Keeping a nonflammable rug near your fireplace is a must so that sparks won’t melt and damage your carpet.
- Always Keep A Fire Extinguisher Near Your Fireplace
Keeping a fire extinguisher near your fireplace is a smart move, and can be used in emergencies.
- Never Operate Appliances That Vent To The Outside
Bathroom vents, dryers, kitchen range hoods, and vacuum systems are one of the many examples of appliances that vent to the outside. Avoid using these appliances when you are using your fireplace as it may cause carbon monoxide build-up inside your home.
- Set An Appointment Schedule To Clean And Inspect Your Home
If it is necessary, set an appointment to a professional chimney and fireplace inspector to check and clean your chimney. Chimney and fireplace are prone to mold build-up and can cause harmful effects to your family.
Following the precautionary methods listed above will not only make your family safe. However, being responsible for your own actions can help overcome many avoidable accidents that might happen in your home. For home inspection and assistance you can reach Fun Guy Inspections and Consulting, LLC in this number (866) 674-7541 or you can visit our website: https://funguyinspections.com/ for more information.