Fireplaces are one the most significant parts of a home. They’re a place to gather around, cozy up and enjoy the season. They provide us with much-needed warmth during the cold and blistering winters. While the winter is the best time to enjoy your fireplace, the summer is a great time to care for them. The off season helps you inspect, deep clean and prepare your fireplaces and chimneys for the future.
In this piece, you’ll learn about a number of summer chimney maintenance solutions that will help you keep your home safe and ensure that you are ready for the chilly season when it arrives.
Image filename: a-modern-living-room-with-brick-fireplace
Image alt text: A modern living room with a brick fireplace.
Schedule a Fireplace and Chimney Inspection
Poor weather conditions and pest infestations are two major nuisances for homeowners. A part of the house that’s adversely affected due to these issues is the chimney flue. Regular upkeep and scrutiny will ensure your family and belongings are safe from any fire-related risk.
Sometimes homeowners are unaware of the debris or animal remains that are stuck within the flue. These obstructions can be dangerous, as they can lead to fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. A certified chimney inspector can assess blockages, water leaks, damage, and cracks in the chute and inform the homeowners regarding the next step. Regular inspections help your property maintain its value and save you from future financial troubles.
Finding a chimney and fireplace inspection team might seem like a challenging task but it is the best course of action, so that you can take charge of the problem and find relevant solutions.
Deep Clean Your Fireplace and Chimneys
The National Fire Protection Association reports that nearly 25% of heating-equipment-related fires are the result of improper maintenance and cleaning of solid fuel heating equipment, such as chimneys. Hence, it is imperative that you ensure your fireplace and chimney are cleaned and appropriately maintained.
Soot, ash and other fire byproducts are not just combustibles; they are also bad for your home’s indoor air quality and masonry. While it’s important to leave some ashes behind when you are actively using the fireplace, it’s okay to fully clean the firebox during the off season. Use a basic bucket and shovel to thoroughly clean and then scrub your firebox well to make it look and smell fresh.
When it comes to fire hazards and chimney cleaning, the main culprit is creosote, which can accumulate in your chimney after seasonal use and inappropriate sweeping methods. This gives off a strong odor and can lead to a fire in the flue. Contact a professional chimney sweep to help you get over this predicament.
A professional chimney sweeping agency will also ensure that there are no animal or nest remains in your chimney and that your chute and firebox are safe for future use.
Maintenance and Repair Needs
During the harsh winter season, your chimney and fireplace are constantly working and are exposed to severe weather conditions. If any need for repairs arises, you will have to deal with it at the worst possible time. So it only makes sense to ensure everything is working fine during the off season, so that you are ready for when the temperature drops.
Brick chimneys are naturally porous and hence, tend to absorb water quickly. When this happens, they can become a part of the freeze-thaw cycle which might lead to cracks in the chimney. These cracks will grow significantly larger with time and will cause water leakages. Regular and effective chimney repair will ensure that your property is safe from this.
Installing a chimney damper might just be the best thing during the summer season. A chimney damper that shuts down completely stops warm air from entering your home and helps your air-conditioner maintain a stable temperature.
It is also a good idea to get pest control during the summer season as those pesky creatures love to nestle in chimneys. The United States Environmental Protection Agency advises homeowners to install a chimney cap or screen to make sure that their homes are safe from a range of different pests.
About the Author
James Davidson is a fireplace and chimney expert who has been affiliated with the chimney remodeling and repair industry and Creative Masonry & Chimney since the past 14 years. Creative Masonry & Chimney is a Connecticut-based company with over 20 years of professional experience in chimney cleaning, chimney repair and chimney sweeping.
Contact them for more information related to your chimney and fireplaces problems.
