Step in Time! Chimney Care Practices
There are five crucial chimney care practices and maintenance tips to prevent damage and a potential house fire.
Regular chimney cleaning and maintenance are not only necessary to keep the family warm during winter, but for safety reasons as well. Even before winter, cleaning a chimney can prevent a house fire, water damage, and high utility bills. Fortunately, homeowners can do many easy maintenance tasks to keep their chimneys in good shape.
Here are five crucial chimney care practices and maintenance tips to prevent damage and a potential house fire.
Use the correct type of wood
The wood is one of the most critical parts of using a fireplace and a chimney. Dry hardwoods are safe to use because they burn longer than softwoods. Not only that, but hardwoods can warm up the room faster because they can produce more heat.
The best hardwood for a fireplace and a chimney includes birch, oak, ash, and even wood bricks. These types of hardwood are dense and can produce a consistent flame. On the other hand, avoid softwood, as this wood can generate more soot and burn too quickly. Homeowners should also avoid wet wood because it takes longer to light up and creates a lot of smoke.
Clean the chimney regularly
Not having the chimney cleaned regularly can lead to a fire. That’s because burning wood generates soot, even good wood. If it builds up inside the flue, it can quickly catch fire. The result is a chimney fire that could spread to the entire house.
To keep the chimney in good shape, sweep the soot from the chimney liner, remove debris or logs from the fireplace, and clean the chimney walls.
Install a damper in the fireplace
Using a fireplace damper helps keep the moisture away. The damper is built into the flue. The damper works like a small door that has to be manually opened and closed every time the chimney is used.
A fireplace damper allows smoke and soot to escape through the chimney and prevent cold air from getting into the house through the chimney. When it’s closed, it also keeps moisture out.
Check the outer part of the chimney
Aside from maintaining the chimney from the inside, it should also be checked and cleaned on the outside. Check if the bricks are crumbling, as this can signify water damage. Also, check that the chimney cap is still in place. If it has been damaged or is missing, rainwater, debris, and animals will be able to get in the chimney.
Schedule a yearly chimney inspection
Even if the chimney and the fireplace are cleaned regularly, they should still be inspected yearly. It’s best to do this right before winter before the family starts using the chimney more frequently.
Get the chimney ready for winter
Chimney care shouldn’t be avoided, especially in the colder months. Regular maintenance and cleaning can prevent increased energy bills, moisture damage, and a house fire.
Homeowners who have never cleaned their fireplace or chimney are advised to call professionals. Expert roofers and chimney care professionals can perform an in-depth inspection and ensure the chimney and the fireplace are in tip-top shape, keeping your family safe and warm.
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.