Mold anywhere in a home can be not only a nuisance but dangerous and also pose a health risk, but what happens if mold develops in your chimney? Things could get very bad very quickly, so the key is to prevent mold from being able to grow in your chimney, and with these four easy tips you can do just that. Mold grows in areas that are damp and have poor air circulation, majority of the chimneys that are seen with mold growth occur because the chimney or fireplace is not used on a regular basis and the homeowners do not even realize there is mold growing there.
- Inspect it – Making sure your chimney is functioning properly is key to helping prevent mold growth. You can have a chimney sweep come in once a year to thoroughly clean and service your chimney, they will also check to make sure there are no leaks or other issues with the structure.
- Cover it – You, the homeowner can easily install a stainless steel rain cover with a screen to help keep unwanted water and debris out of the chimney. Not only will the cover keep out water and debris but it will also aid in deterring little critters from going into the chimney which could pose other problems entirely.
- Use it – Like a car a fireplace should be turned on or used on a regular basis to ensure proper functions. They say if a vehicle is going to be sitting for any length of time that it should be started up and run around the block at least once a week to keep the fluids flowing smoothly. The chimney works on the same principle. If you don’t use your chimney on a regular basis you should at least try to use it once every few months. This will help to keep the moisture out as well, in turn preventing mold growth.
- Crown it and cap it – Many chimney specialists recommend installing a cement chimney crown or cap with expansion joints to help prevent damage from the freeze/thaw cycle during the winter months. The freeze/thaw cycle can cause the bricks in the chimney to develop cracks and even fall out, which would pose not only an issue with mold but other issues as well.
If you have doubts you can always contact one of our CSIA certified chimney specialists to schedule an inspection for your chimney. We will inspect, clean, and service it at least once a year to ensure proper functionality and that the structure itself is in the best shape it can be.
You should have your chimney inspected and consult with a Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) Certified professional about the best options for repairing any damage and adding preventative measures for the future life of your chimney. Both of the licensed and insured chimney sweeps here at Lou Curley’s Chimney Service are CSIA certified with experience dealing with common chimney problems as well as some more complex issues that homeowners may face with their chimney. Give us a call at 610-626-2439 to discuss your chimney problems and we’ll help you get a handle on any mold issues you may have in the chimney as well.