In areas like North Las Vegas, where the weather can be extreme, the integrity of your home's chimney can be affected. Sun, wind, and the rare rainy day can expose your chimney to conditions that will, over time, wreak havoc on the structure. Even if your home is in perfect condition, your chimney is exposed to all the elements. What's a little rain and wind to a good roof? Should these repairs be hidden? Whatever the case might be, regular inspection can catch these problems early. You don't want your chimney to collapse. We don't want you or your family to be sucked into a black hole, which is what could happen if the chimney were to stop working and carry toxic smoke and gases from the furnace, stove, or fireplace to outside the house.
Another key aspect of chimney upkeep is flashing aka the "watertightness" of the chimney and roof. In North Las Vegas, we have a fluctuating climate and the rare rainstorm, which can present speakers issues and—more importantly—cause water to run downhill. If water runs downhill toward your chimney and around your roof, it can find its way inside your house if the "watertightness" of the chimney is not adequate. The reason I put "wind" and "water" in quotes up top is because I consider these two climate factors to be the primary "natural forces" that can lead to the sort of structural damage that can occur to a chimney over time. If your chimney is structurally compromised, then it is very difficult to repair or replace.
If you live in North Las Vegas and need chimney repair or flashing services, it’s best to work with local pros who know the area and its typical problems. They can assess your chimney’s condition and recommend the right course of action, whether that involves minor repairs or something more extensive. If you don’t have a chimney, but have a fireplace, you might want to talk to these same experts about plans to help maintain your non-traditional (in the sense that it doesn’t have a traditional venting system) path to safety. Experts in chimney care say that a complete inspection at least once a year is the best way to ensure that your path to safety (for your family and your home) remains clear and free of dangerous obstructions.
