Chimney maintenance is a must for homes with fireplaces. When the weather turns cold and the nights get longer, the last thing you want to find is that your fireplace is out of order. Here are four ways to keep your chimney in great shape.
Clean Your Chimney To Avoid Starting a Hotel for Pests
Regular chimney cleanings eliminate birds’ nests, spider webs and bat dens, and they prevent other unsavory creatures from maintaining a home within your chimney. During seasons when there’s no need for a fire, animals and insects like to set up camp in the seclusion of chimneys. Scheduling a professional chimney service will keep your chimney free of debris and pests.
Have Your Chimney Relined
In addition to keeping your chimney clean and free of pests and debris, you may need to have it relined. As chimneys age, they often develop internal cracks that can lead to an escape of fumes into your home. Having your chimney serviced on a regular basis can prevent such situations.
Repair Cracks and Broken Masonry
As your home ages and settles, your chimney may need to be repaired. During regular cleanings, ask your chimney sweep to check for loose or broken masonry that may need to be repaired.
Off-season Maintenance
If you don’t plan on using your chimney for a while, say during the warm months or maybe for an extended period of time because you’ve changed to a different heating method, it will still need to be maintained and possibly capped. By capping your chimney, you close it off to outdoor elements like weather and pests. Just remember to have the cap removed by a professional if you decide to use your chimney in the future.
Chimney maintenance should be a priority for all homes with fireplaces. Regular cleanings, checkups and repairs can ensure that your fireplace is safe, functional, and ready to roar when the temperatures drops.