Some homeowners rely on their fireplaces as their main heat source. Others just cannot resist the cozy comfort that cuddling up with a cup of tea and a good book next to the fireplace can provide. Regardless of how much you use your fireplace, and regardless of what its main function in your home may be, you need your fireplace to function properly at all times. That means burning wood effectively and removing smoke from the home reliably.
So why does it seem like your home is taking in smoke when you burn wood in your fireplace in Minneapolis, MN? There are actually quite a few reasons why this may be the case. That is why working with a professional and experienced fireplace contractor is so important. You need the problem diagnosed accurately before it can be resolved successfully, after all. Here are a few reasons why your home may be a bit hazy when burning wood.
A wood-burning fireplace is a beautiful thing for any home in Minneapolis. Not only does it keep you warm and cozy, it also looks gorgeous. Many of the homes we visit have a classic look and feel, such as those colonial or craftsman homes that seem to get swept off the market in no time at all. Many others have chimneys or fireplaces renovated after the construction of the home, often adding a chic, modern look and feel.
It’s the perfect time of year to light a fire and bask in the warmth and comfort a fireplace can provide. That is, of course, as long as your chimney is not a risk to your health and safety. However, many people don’t realize that problems within a chimney exist. Or, they may think that they can still use their chimneys despite the problems that exist.
You often know when a furnace needs repair because it will not produce the right amount of heat. You know when it’s time to fix your car, as it may struggle to start up, or you could have trouble breaking. But when it comes to your home’s chimney, it can be a lot more difficult to tell. When it malfunctions, is it because it needs repair or because you’ve skipped a step while lighting the fire? And how will you know when the masonry is in dire need of some renovation?
We spend a lot of time warning people about chimney fires, advising homeowners on how to prevent a fire, and sharing information about preventing fires from spreading to the outside of the home. Unfortunately, chimney fires are an all-too-common reality for people who use their fireplace. In our area, it’s essential to know what to do if you encounter a chimney fire, and what will happen to your home as a result.
Take a look at the chimney pictured here. It might look like a typical chimney, if not a bit worn with age. But to chimney sweeps, this structure has a couple of major issues. We want to make sure that your home is protected, so we’re helping you learn what might make a chimney fire more likely or what may help it to spread to the outside of the home.
Hopefully, you’ve heard before just how important it is to 
If water leaks through the chimney, you should be worried. Repairing that type of water damage can be difficult and costly. More importantly, though, is that it may create a health risk. There are several reasons you may notice water leaking into the home from the chimney, either towards the top, through the fireplace, or in the walls.