It's been a much colder last few days in and around the central, coastal and southwest Texas region. There are many homes that have new roofs as a result of the spring hail and that makes it especially important, with the winter months approaching, that you inspect your chimney. Why you ask? Because when a new roof is installed on a home, it is up to the repair staff to re-attach the heater/furnace flues and failing to do so can put you at risk. The flue is the main way smoke, hot gasses and other nasty byproducts of using your fireplace exit your home without harming you and your family. A single home may have several flues depending on how many fireplaces or stoves you have so even 1 becomming detached can be a problem.

For one thing, carbon monoxide can begin to enter your home as result and this gas is very toxic. Detached flues can also create insufficient drafts which lead to water condensation building up that cracks the masonry work in your chimney. The surefire bet to avoid all this is to have a certified HVAC person come to your home and inspect your chimney and give it a good cleaning. You need to do this soon though as your neighbors will no doubt start making calls soon which will back you up on the waiting list. Just make sure to check whatever company you choose out with your BBB first!