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Chimneys should either be sealed or waterproofed, which is different from sealing off—closing at both ends—a chimney. Waterproofing and sealing are both crucial steps to take to prevent water damage and the chimney leaking inside the house. While waterproofing is more comprehensive, both help safeguard your chimney, extending its life span and preventing expensive repairs. 

According to the National Fire Protection Association, dryers and washing machines cause over 15,000 fires a year, with dryers causing about 92 percent of those fires. Because dryer fires are more common than you might think, it’s important to clear the lint trap regularly and have annual dryer vent cleanings.

A chimney requires both a cover and a cap, but these parts often get confused with one another. A chimney cover seals the top of the chimney around the flue pipe to prevent water from entering the chimney. A chimney cap is a piece that sits above the flue to prevent animals, debris, and water from entering the flue.

Certified fire door inspectors should inspect fire doors. These professionals receive training to specifically assess the condition, functionality, and compliance of fire doors. They often hold credentials from groups like the Door and Hardware Institute (DHI) or the International Fire Door Inspector Association (IFDIA). While fire marshals won’t usually do hands-on inspections, they’ll check that doors are being maintained properly during routine safety audits. If a building relies on fire doors for code compliance, it needs someone who understands the details—the difference between a cosmetic issue and a safety failure—and standards to sign off with confidence.