The strong hailstorms that hit the Lawton area in May caused a lot of roof damage resulting in many roofs being replaced. After having a roof replaced, many homeowners are finding that as they are getting their furnaces and water heaters inspected, cleaned and tuned up for the fall and winter seasons that the exhaust flue pipe for the furnace and/or water heater was never reconnected after the roofers disconnected it to install the new roof. The result is that odorless, colorless, and tasteless carbon monoxide gas (CO)and other harmful exhaust gases can vent directly into the house or garage. A build up of CO and exhaust gases not properly vented through a flue, up a chimney and out of the house is a dangerous and hazardous condition that is potentially harmful and possibly even lethal. The roofing companies do not think they are responsible for re-connecting the exhaust flue pipe, leaving the homeowners to do so.
In many instances the vent pipe is broken, not long enough since the roof penetration was moved, or missing altogether. One way to ensure the safe and proper exhaust venting of CO and exhaust gases is to have a licensed and certified heating contractor inspect your equipment and all exhaust vent connections and piping. Pippin Brothers, a local certified heating contractor, can perform this service as well as inspect, clean and tune-up your water heater and/or furnace for the fall/winter season. Mark Pippin, president, said: “With the temperatures beginning to drop, we want to ensure that all homeowners in the Lawton/Fort Sill area have a safe and properly operating water heater and furnace to provide a comfortable, safe and healthy home for the holidays and beyond.“