Chimney Prep for Inspection & Cleaning

Spring is when many homeowners clear away winter’s mess and prepare their homes for the warm months ahead. One chore that should be at the top of your to-do list for fireplace owners is chimney cleaning and inspection. Here are our tips to prepare for chimney and fireplace spring cleaning and why it’s essential.

Tips for Preparing Your Chimney for Cleaning & Inspection

Check for Damage

Winter takes a toll on your chimney and fireplace. On the outside, freezing temperatures can cause moisture in the bricks and mortar joints to expand, causing cracks. Inside, many people over-fire their fireplaces by burning trash, lumber or overfilling the firebox. Over-firing can make the temperature hotter than recommended and cause damage. It’s important to take care of the damage as soon as possible to ensure your system is safe for winter.

Clean Out Debris

Spring is the perfect time to thoroughly clean out the firebox by removing the ashes and other debris like leftover logs.

Inspect the Flue & Damper

If you have a wood-burning fireplace, there’s a good chance you have creosote buildup in the flue. Creosote is highly flammable and corrosive. Moreover, humid weather and rain can cause the creosote in the flue to stink, making your home smell like an ashtray.

The damper is a chimney component that seals the flue, and it’s typically made from metal. Check the damper for corrosion or other damage, and ensure it opens and closes without effort.

Call a Professional

Many people, understandably, want to save a few bucks and clean the chimney themselves. However, here’s why you should leave it to the professionals.

Safety

Cleaning a chimney is dangerous and challenging work. If you’re not experienced or are uncomfortable being on the roof, it’s safer to let a trained professional handle it.

Efficiency

Professional chimney sweeps have training and experience cleaning chimneys, and they can do it much faster and more efficiently than the average homeowner.

Damage Detection

Professional chimney sweeps are trained to detect signs of damage or deterioration in the chimney, such as cracks or corrosion. Identifying these issues early allows you to repair them before they escalate and cause a fire hazard.

Code Compliance

Many areas require that chimneys be inspected and cleaned annually, and hiring a professional ensures that your chimney complies with any codes or regulations.

How Often Should You Clean Your Chimney?

Most experts agree that you should get your chimney cleaned at least once a year; however, it depends on your usage. For example, if you only use your fireplace a few times a year, you can get by with more infrequent cleanings, but at a minimum, you should still schedule an annual chimney inspection to check for damage that could put your family at risk.

Another thing to consider is that while there may not be obvious signs that your chimney is dirty, it still may need cleaning. Even a slightly dirty chimney can release foul odors when the weather turns warm and humid.

Call the Pros at Fire N’ Stone

If you need chimney cleaning this spring or summer, call the local experts at Fire N’ Stone in Tilton, NH. Our technicians are certified professionals, and we have over a decade of experience. Whether you need chimney cleaning, repairing, inspection, rebuilding, or custom stonework, you can count on us. Book your appointment today at 603-293-4040.