warm glow of a fireplace. It is necessary to take care of your chimney and fireplace and keep them in good condition. After all, a well-maintained chimney would mean safe and clean air plus warmth inside the house. You can hire a professional to make regular inspections of the chimney and do the needful. However, there are a couple of steps that you can take to ensure that the chimney is clean and in good condition. A clean fireplace and chimney mean saving money on heating costs and expensive repairs.
Maintain Chimney Condition / Chimney Repair
Here are a couple of suggestions to keep the chimney in good condition throughout the year.
- It is very important to inspect the bricks and mortar on a regular basis. Take a flashlight and do an inspection to make sure that they are not damaged in nay way. Look out for any tell-tale signs of damage such as missing mortar, cracks, and loose bricks. If you see any moss or plant growth between the bricks, remove them immediately.
- Inspect the chimney crown carefully and if you find any gaps or cracks, fill them up with cement right away. Cap the chimney properly to keep it in good shape. It is a good idea to cover the properly with a wire-mesh as it prevents debris, birds, and small animals from getting into your chimney. Remove the chimney cap to check for any damage or obstacles for the flue liner. Install and place the chimney cap carefully for the proper functioning of a fireplace.
- Look for creosote accumulation in the flue liner. The black or brown sticky substance appears and collects on the inside of the chimney. It is not easy to get rid of Creosote, and you can hire a professional chimney cleaner to remove it. The presence of Creosote is not healthy for the chimney as well as for the indoor air. Moreover, as it is a combustible material, it raises the risk of fires.
- Inspect the exterior vents carefully as they are an important part of chimney cleaning process. They might get blocked due to snow, sand or any other blockage. Check the outside of the chimney area for any obstructions and wear. Remove any trees or their branches that overhang the chimney as they can cause damage to the chimney.
- Look at the fireplace closely for any damage to the firebox or any formation of cracks. Get rid of any debris, charcoal or ashes in the fireplace to keep it squeaky clean.
Inspect the smoke alarm and change the batteries if needed. It is a good idea to get the chimney cleaned professionally every year. Hire a certified chimney cleaner who knows how chimneys are supposed to be cleaned and is well aware of the standards and codes. Schedule the cleaning of the chimney at the end of the season. You must keep the key areas checked and followed the above tips to ensure a well-maintained chimney and fireplace.
