& CHIMNEY Damage
Answers on FIREPLACE
If you’re considering purchasing an old home that has a damaged fireplace or chimney, or if your current fireplace is damaged, it’s good to have it looked at right away. You may wonder what you need to do or why you might need to have it inspected. Here are some answers to common questions about fireplace and chimney damage. If an older home has an unused fireplace, is that bad? When an older home has a fireplace that’s been unused, you can usually assume that something is wrong with it. If a chimney is unused for a span of time, it can develop even more problems. The best thing for you to do is to thoroughly inspect the chimney. If you happen to find any problems such as cracks, weathering, or obstructions, contact a professional.
chimneys were built began to change. At the time, most of them were not reinforced. They had lime and ash mortar and didn’t have a flue liner. The mortar they used wasn’t very reliable, and if you happen to have this type of chimney, it’s a possible safety hazard. Is a cracked chimney worrisome? Bluntly, yes. A cracked chimney could lead to a number of problems in your home, and could even threaten the well-being of your family. The crack could mean that your chimney is falling apart and it’s highly likely that it could collapse. A chimney is supposed to let toxic fumes escape your house, but if there is a crack, those toxic fumes could enter your home.
Can I burn gas in my damaged fireplace and chimney system?
Absolutely not. When you have a damaged fireplace and chimney system, you shouldn’t use it until it’s fixed. Of the fires investigated, over 60% were caused by gas alone. The reason why gas is more likely to cause problems is because, unlike a wood-burning fireplace, a gas fire can keep a constant temperature. They are often forgotten and left unattended for long periods of time, which can be dangerous.
Why recommend inspections for chimneys built before 1940? Before 1940, chimneys weren’t made as soundly as they are in modern times. After the Long Beach earthquake in 1933, the way
MEME CORNER
Bacon-Wrapped Tater Tot Bombs
Sure, your showoff pal can wrap a tater tot with a piece of bacon and call it “The Daniel,” but you can take it a step further. Prepare a couple batches of these savory snacks for your Super Bowl party or the next family get- together. Snag a few for yourself before they disappear!
Ingredients
• 2 cups frozen tater tots, defrosted • 1 ounce sharp cheddar, cut into 1/4-inch squares
• 4 slices bacon, quartered • 1/4 cup brown sugar • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Directions
1. Heat oven to 400 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. 2. Press a cheese square into each tot, then wrap with a piece of bacon. Dredge each tot in brown sugar. 3. Place tots seam side down on baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, using metal tongs to turn halfway through. 4. Garnish with parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
(Recipe inspired by ThisGrandmaIsFun.com
3 www.bostonbrick.com |
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