Caps
Why cap your chimney? Well, for starters, it will help keep rain, snow and sleet out of your chimney. A cap also helps to keep critters out of your home. Dead animals are not uncommon to encounter in an uncapped chimney. Other hazards of an uncapped chimney are sticks and leaves that could fall into and block your flue. Caps are a vital component of any chimney system.
Liners
Chimney liners keep the fire and the products of combustion in the chimney, not in your home! Most people believe that a liner is only for their fireplace or woodstove however, your furnace needs to be vented through a liner as well. If your furnace (oil or gas) is being vented through an unlined flue you might be exposed to the exhaust from the furnace. This exhaust has carbon monoxide in it. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, tasteless and odorless gas then can lead to severe sickness and even death. I will also be more than happy to install carbon monoxide detectors for you, just ask me when we make your appointment.
Inspections
Inspections should be performed annually as part of the sweeping process. I also recommend having your chimney inspected whenever you buy a home. More than one of my clients have purchased a home, only to find out that they need to have a new liner installed before the heating season.
Waterproofing
Waterproofing will help protect your chimney from moisture damage. This environmentally friendly product is applied to the outside of your chimney and it prevents moisture from entering through the bricks.