A Simple Guide To Chimney Care And Maintenance
Your home is one of your most valuable investments, so you need to do everything possible to make sure it stays in great shape for years to come—inside and out. You probably also want to know what needs to be done to take care of your fireplace and chimney. To do this, you need a reliable chimney cleaning service. Here are some things that are part of chimney maintenance and care that will keep your home safe.
Chimney Inspections
The first step in chimney care is regular inspections by certified chimney sweeps who know how to spot signs of trouble before it's too late. After each inspection, they'll provide you with a report detailing any issues that need addressing so that you can plan ahead for necessary repairs rather than waiting until something goes wrong (which could be dangerous).
When to Schedule a Chimney Cleaning
The best time to have your chimney cleaned is before the start of winter. You don't want to wait until there are leaves and other debris clogging up your pipes and flues.
Chimney sweeps can be booked up months in advance, so you should schedule yours as soon as possible. It's also important to note that many chimney sweep companies only operate during certain seasons, so make sure you're hiring someone who has availability when you need them.
Get the Flue Checked
The flue is the passageway through which smoke travels from the fireplace or stove up through the chimney. A flue damper keeps air from entering the chimney and helps control how much heat goes up into your home. Every year, you should have your flues checked by a professional who will inspect them for cracks or damage that could allow smoke to escape into your home.
Check the Chimney Outside
If you want to make sure that your chimney is in good condition, it's best to inspect it from the outside first. This way, you can see if there are any cracks or holes in the mortar lining and also check how well-maintained it has been over time. Look for any signs of erosion or damage on the exterior surface as well as on the roofline where it meets with other structures in your home. If you notice anything unusual or suspect that something might be wrong with your chimney, contact a professional immediately so that they can do repairs if necessary.
Check the Rest of Your Fireplace and Hearth
You also want to check the interior fireplace and hearth to make sure that everything else around it is in good working order. As with the exterior, you want to check for loose bricks or mortar, cracks in brickwork or mortar joints, and any signs of water damage. If you find anything out of place, contact a professional as soon as possible to get it repaired before it becomes a bigger problem.
You can keep your home and fireplace safe by taking care of your chimney. Contact a chimney sweep service for help with these tasks.
