How to Make a Chimney Ready for the Holidays

The fireplace is a centerpiece of each home it needs special care.

The family will spend more time indoors with chillier seasons right around the corner. So now is the best time to check whether everything is ready for this colder weather and where else to start preparing for it, but from the chimneys!

This preparation may not sound like a lot of fun. However, the fireplace is a centerpiece of each home, and as a symbol of a bonding place for every family, it deserves special care.

Here are some tips on preparing the chimney and the fireplace for the upcoming holidays.

Chimney deep dive

The first item on the chimney-sweeping list would be a visual inspection. Look out for nests, leaves, or anything that gets stuck inside and might disturb the proper functioning of the chimney. 

Also, inspect the chimney bricks and the general fireplace structure for wear or damage. Black stains on bricks, for example, could mean that there might be some creosote build-up in the chimney.

Creosote is not only flammable, but it can be hazardous to people's health if inhaled for a long time. Don't try to remove it without protective tools and equipment, and contact professionals who will know how to get rid of any creosote residue.

Proper cleaning

Many house fires start because of improper chimney cleaning, whether of creosote residue or flue blockage. Homeowners who recently moved into their homes and are unsure whether the chimney and the fireplace have been well-maintained might require a more thorough inspection service.

Apart from an internal visual assessment, the professionals will climb onto the roof and check for combustibles near the chimney. They will remove anything that can potentially obstruct the duct.

Repairs

If the fireplace or the chimney deteriorates and requires repairs, that is a definite sign to wait for the professionals. DIY repairs can look good outside but might not restore the chimney's functionality.

Additionally, chimney repairs often require specialist equipment that homeowners might not have at their disposal. To avoid any mistakes and injuries, wait for the experts.

General use tips

Once the chimney is ready, don't forget to pay extra attention to the fireplace's decoration. It is crucial not to pick decoration based solely on its beauty. Safety must always come first. Plastic, wooden, or paper ornaments need to stay at a safe distance from the fire. Also, buy a non-flammable rug for the floor near the fireplace.

Make the fireplace merry!

There are endless possibilities when decorating the fireplace. Despite that, preserving the functionality of the chimney itself is more important by far. Schedule a service call with professionals to accurately assess the chimney's condition and step into the holiday season safely and stress-free.

Sweeps N Ladders is a North Texas chimney and roofing repair service providing chimney & fireplace restorations, brick and mortar restoration, chimney caps, chase covers, and more. We provide fireplace inspection and repair, fireplace remodeling, chimney inspection and sweeping, and dryer vent cleaning. We are locally owned and operated family business and are licensed, bonded, and insured. Call us today at 469-812-5662.