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Neighbor News

Maintaining Your Chimney Can Be A Lifesaver

Chimneys can easily fill with debris, soot, or animal nests which can lead to poor ventilation and a buildup of carbon monoxide in the home.

A chimney is an easy part of the home to overlook, especially when the weather is warm and building a fire is the furthest thing from your mind. However, because a chimney is constantly exposed to the elements year-round, it can easily deteriorate without you even knowing it. This deterioration is a potential safety hazard, as it can lead to a buildup of debris, soot, and animal nests while block the air passageway and cause an increase in carbon monoxide in the home.

According to various agencies across the country, thousands of people die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning as a result of poor ventilation in the home. There are tens of thousands more who are diagnosed with carbon monoxide related illnesses. As chimneys can often be the culprit of a carbon monoxide issue, it’s imperative that a chimney undergoes regular maintenance and cleaning to be sure it is functioning as safely as possible.

It is recommended that a chimney undergo cleaning and maintenance once per year. In between yearly appointments, if you notice discoloration in the bricks around the chimney or excessive moisture or rust, contact your roofing company right away as it could be signs of a carbon monoxide issue. You should have also have carbon monoxide alarms in the house and run a CO test once a year as well.

In the Downriver area, Downriver Roofers are the trusted experts when it comes to chimney maintenance and repair. With 20 years of experience, they also offer 24/7 emergency services year round. Call (734) 548-9919 or visit downriverroofers.com to set up a free, no obligation appointment today.

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