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The damper, located just above the firebox, can open or close the chimney flue. The damper should remain closed unless there’s a fire burning in the fireplace. Closing the damper prevents energy loss through the chimney and cold air from seeping into the home during the winter. Opening the damper helps maintain airflow when there is a fire and prevents smoke and gases from venting into the house.

In addition to flashing, a roof cricket can help divert water around your chimney so that it drains properly off your roof. It’s shaped like a double triangle and is installed behind the chimney so that falling water spills evenly down each side. This helps prevent water from accumulating behind your chimney, which can increase water damage and the risk of leaks. 

The International Building Code (IBC) requires cricket installation if a chimney built after 2012 measures over 30 inches in width. Chimneys constructed before that date are typically grandfathered in and aren’t required to have crickets installed.

Yes, spider webs are flammable, taking them from minor household nuisance to something more dangerous. Silk boasts no built-in resistance to fire, though it takes an abundance of spider webs to actually catch fire and spread. A cobweb here and there poses no major fire safety risk, so it’s not a cause for concern.

Short circuits can cause significant damage to electrical appliances, bodily harm, and potentially death to humans. For this reason, they are a serious occurrence. If you’re unable to find and fix a short circuit on your own, you must reach out to a licensed electrician for help.