Common Problems
Don’t Let Chimney Issues Spoil Your Fireplace Experience
Exterior Brick Staining
Smoke Staining
Smoke staining can be evidence of a number of issues in your venting system. This can be caused by an undersized flue, poor burning habits, clogged system/cap, damaged flue tiles, and more.
The issues that cause smoke staining may cause hazardous conditions such as poor air quality in the home, chimney fires, and excess buildup due to poor system performance.
Clearance to Combustible Materials
(Wood or other combustible material too close to the chimney or fireplace)
Hearth extensions(shown in blue) that are level or only slightly raised from the floor are often supported by wood that was not removed during construction as intended. Wood underneath hearth extensions can potentially overheat and ignite over time due to pyrolysis.
Masonry and factory-built systems require minimum clearances to combustible materials from the openings. Mantles and trim are frequently installed too close to the opening of the fireplace (shown in red). This may cause the mantle or trim to combust over time due to pyrolysis.
Masonry chimney structures themselves have clearance requirements – whether it is in the attic, walls, or crawlspace. Failure to adhere to these clearances can potentially result in overheating combustible materials in your home.
Factory-built fireplaces often utilize metal piping to vent the products of combustion. These pipes have their own specific clearances to combustible materials. Failure to meet these clearances can eventually lead to these materials combusting due to pyrolysis.
Not Sure If You Have a Fireplace or Chimney Issue?
No problem. Understanding your chimney and fireplace is what we do.
Whether you have questions about your existing system, need an inspection, or are considering an upgrade, Zen can help you identify your equipment, any issues, and explain your options.