There are two types of chimney problems that can affect your chimney: external problems and internal problems. External problems are problems with the outside of your chimney. Typically, these are problems with your brick and mortar. They can also be problems with the different covers over the outside of your chimney. Your chimney needs to have a screen or a gate over the top of it. Also, it needs to have a hood over it so that it does not allow rain to fall into your fireplace. The gate will keep rodents and birds out of your house as well. The inside of the chimney can be just brick and mortar if you want. Alternately, it can be made of many different materials, depending on when it was built. If you have never had chimney cleaning and repair, you need to call a professional now.
Chimney Liners
A professional might recommend installing a chimney liner. They are a common element of chimney cleaning and repair in Severna Park, MD. A chimney liner is a device that lines the inside of a chimney to protect the brick and mortar. Typically, they are made of nonreactive materials such as aluminum. Since aluminum does not react to creosote and soot the way brick and mortar do, it will not degrade over time. The soot that builds up on the inside of a chimney tends to be acidic. When soot heats up, it can actually corrode the brick and mortar. A chimney liner prevents that from happening.
You should click for more info on chimney cleaning and chimney liners. A liner can be the thing you need to make sure your chimney is in good condition for decades to come.
Chimney Hoods
You might need chimney cleaning and repair services to repair the outside of your chimney as well. You need some kind of cover over the top of your chimney. Otherwise, rain will fall into your fireplace and into your house. Such problems will make it very difficult to keep your chimney clean as well as very difficult to keep a good fire burning.