Homes that use wood-burning stoves for heat or natural gas water heaters or cooking ranges will have some sort of chimney and flue system to vent the harmful by-products of the fuel. If your home has one of these, or you are thinking of adding one, then there are three things you will need to know, what the right size of chimney is, how to inspect and clean it, and what safety precautions you will need to take.
Choose the Right Size
Chances are that you will not have to replace parts of your chimney as most will last for decades with the proper maintenance. You will, however, want to be sure that you have the right type and size for your needs. Kitchen hoods, for example, need to be at least the same size as your range with a fan to draw fumes into a narrower flue and out the chimney cap. This cap can be as simple or complicated in design as you want, with styles such as The Rockport Haubstadt IN chimney cap fitting many rooflines and aesthetics.
Inspect and Clean Regularly
Your chimney system needs to be cleaned and inspected at least once a year, if you use a wood-burning stove as a primary heat source, then having it tended to every spring and fall is recommended. Not everyone is mentally or physically prepared to strap on safety gear and climb on the roof to inspect and clean their chimney, however, so you can hire professionals to do it for you. This ensures that there are no cracks in the system, which can allow carbon monoxide or other harmful by-products to build up in your home, as well as removes build-up which can cause flue fires.
When properly maintained, your chimney should last for decades, with some parts rated for over fifty years. This means ensuring that you have the right size parts for the job, as well as regular inspections and cleanings.