The old saying goes “when it rains, it puts”, and that certainly applies to your excitement and anticipation of being outdoors. Rain usually requires individuals inside where they wish to dry off and warm up. You may have asked yourself in the past, “Is it fine to run my fireplace while it’s raining?”
Fireplaces, specifically wood-burning ones, can supply an uncommon heat that’s difficult to reproduce with a house furnace or other kind of synthetic heating. As a result, numerous house owners look for fireplace heat throughout a rainstorm.
Does it present any damage or endure your fireplace? What about the chimney or liner?
Fireplaces are Built as Rain Proof
A fireplace system is created and built to keep the rain out. Given that fireplaces produce a tremendous amount of heat, and due to the fact that heat likewise rises, it takes an extremely high downward pressure of wetness to prevent it from working properly.
Fireplace chimneys are likewise developed with a style that obstructs as much wetness from going into the fireplace as possible. So, you may have a rainstorm outside, but a fireplace and chimney that remains in high working order should prevent little to no moisture from reaching the bottom of the pit.
It enables you to continue burning and keep yourself warm up until the rain subsides. In fact, the biggest threat to fire not beginning in a fireplace is really not rained, however high winds since it drafts a lot of the air out of the fireplace shoot.
How do chimneys avoid rain and snow from going into a fireplace?
Fireplace chimneys are equipped generally with one of three devices that prevent a high quantity of wetness from getting in the fireplace unit. If you’re unsure, check to see if your chimney has one of the following:
A chimney cap is a flat, rectangular shape piece normally constructed with some kind of metal. It is placed directly above the top of the chimney and supported by legs. Some people refer to chimney caps as umbrellas, which is a fitting term because that’s exactly what it looks like.
The cap provides shelter for the opening of the chimney while also not completely blocking out smoke that’s trying to leave the top of the chimney. Chimney caps also usually have a screen that assists keep birds and other small animals out of the chimney and climbing down to the rest of your house.
The biggest hassle with chimney caps is they often unintentionally direct smoke and wind pull back the chimney instead of leaving it.
The reason is that the cap serves as a partial clog. On one hand, it reduces the quantity of rain and snow that boils down the chimney but likewise restricts the amount of smoke that exits.
Chimney Cowls
Fireplace when raining
Chimney cowls are thought about a far better choice than a chimney cap for house owners that live in high wind locations. The cowl has a similar purpose to a chimney cap.
The biggest difference is the cowl can obstruct one side while having an opening on the other. For instance, if you typically get the wind out of one direction, you can have the cowl block airflow from that side while allowing smoke to get away from the opposite.
Chimney cowls are common in commercial settings because factories use them to prevent nasty chemical smoke from filtrating back into the factory. Therefore, if you choose you prefer a chimney cowl over the cap, you’ll most likely have to browse through commercial choices before discovering one that’s better, or looks better on a home.
Chimney Dampers
Chimney caps and cowls are both effective at staying out rain, nevertheless, if you truly wish to go the extra mile you need to think about buying a damper.
Chimney dampers are actually popular in places that get a great deal of snow. Dampers are generally a bit more durable than the previously mentioned chimney tops and are adjustable, which some property owners truly prefer.
The sturdy building that’s typically constructed of some type of metal can stand up to the greater weights of snowfall compared to rain, and therefore do a fantastic task of keeping moisture out of your home.
Chimney dampers are adjustable with a trap door or gate that can get cracked open at various angles, or completely shut. Some individuals choose to have the damper shut until they go to burn wood.
That’s entirely appropriate, so long as you keep in mind to open the damper prior to you begin burning fuel. If not, your home is going to start getting really smoky, instantly.
Conclusion– How to Keep Rain Out of Your Chimney
It is completely appropriate to use a fireplace while it rains, specifically if you have actually invested in a chimney cap, cowl, or damper.
You can also take an extra step to keep your chimney waterproof by utilizing a water-repellent on the exterior masonry work. Water repellents on chimneys are great as long as it is not a masonry sealer.
It is important that the chimney still “breathes”, so the very best strategy is to use a sealant that does not lock moisture in and cause steady damage to the structure. A vapor-permeable water repellent designed for masonry will be adequate.
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