Homeowners must realise that every area of a chimney must be maintained and not just the flue liners and wood stove pipes.According to the High Tech Gadgets blog, a common mistake people make is thinking that it is only the flue liners for woodburners which need attention and not the outside of the chimney.
The website said that one way in which homeowners can take steps to preserve the exterior of their chimney is to invest in a chimney waterproofing product.
Before applying the solution, it is important that all the joints in the mortar are good.
"It's the only piece of your house that sticks up past the roof line where it takes the brunt of rain and snow storms. Without protection, you could finish up with serious damage requiring a pricey overhaul," the blog added.
Hiring a professional to unblock chimneys is also essential, as there is an increased chance of carbon monoxide seeping into the home if this is not done, according to an entry on Articlebase by Michael Bragg.