Cleaning Your Fireplace After Winter

Most of us get excited at the first hint of warmer weather once spring has sprung. We look forward to spending more time outside, planning summer vacations, and getting some much-needed R&R. While doing our annual spring cleaning, people often leave one thing off the list — the fireplace, preferring to let it go until fall or early winter.

But we’ll show you why it’s best to tackle this chore during summer and what steps you can take to make your fireplace safe and ready to battle Old Man Winter when he shows up again in a few months.

Perform a Thorough Cleaning

Months of using your fireplace create a lot of soot, ash, creosote, and other junk in your chimney and fireplace that require cleaning. While leaving chimney sweeping to a trained professional is best, you can remove the ash from the fireplace using a shovel and vacuum. Furthermore, check the hearth for soot buildup, so your fireplace looks clean and pretty if you have company over.

Hire a Chimney Sweep

Many people put off chimney cleaning until late fall or early winter but forget that this is when chimney service companies are their busiest and scheduling an appointment can be difficult. Tackling this chore during summer allows you to get it done early, avoid the rush, and give you time to repair any damage the technician finds during an inspection before it’s time to use the fireplace again. Hiring a professional chimney sweep is crucial to fireplace safety because creosote buildup in the flue is one of the leading causes of chimney fires. Best to nip it in the bud now instead of forgetting and risking your home.

Schedule a Chimney & Fireplace Inspection

If you’re hiring a chimney sweep to clean your chimney, it’s a good idea to ask them to thoroughly inspect your fireplace and chimney’s mortar and brick components. Winter is especially harsh to porous materials like concrete, stone, and mortar because water seeps in, freezes, and expands, causing cracks. Failing to repair minor damage early can result in brick spalling, loose mortar joints, and expensive repairs or chimney rebuilds down the road.

Waterproof Your Chimney

Once you’ve cleaned your chimney and repaired any minor damage, consider waterproofing. Because this structure is exposed to the weather 24/7, and water can wreak havoc once it gets in, waterproofing offers you an extra layer of protection and can add years to your chimney’s lifespan. Your local chimney service company will recommend the proper steps and products to give your chimney the most durable and long-lasting protection to guard against water damage.

Close the Damper

The fireplace damper performs two main functions: when it’s open, it allows the toxic gases and embers from the fireplace to flow up the flue and out of the house. When closed, it keeps heat in after the fire has gone out. It’s recommended that you close the damper for summer to keep water from getting in and chimney odors from making your house stink. Most dampers are above the firebox, while others are at the top of the chimney.

Gas Fireplace Tips

If you have a gas-powered fireplace, summer is the time to inspect the ceramic logs for excessive wear and tear. Depending on the type of logs you use, they can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years before needing to be replaced. Furthermore, clean the glass doors and interior as needed. Finally, it’s wise to schedule an inspection from a certified fireplace technician to ensure everything is safe and working properly. Taking care of your fireplace during summer allows you to avoid the inevitable rush for chimney sweeping and maintenance once winter arrives and gives you peace of mind knowing your fireplace is safe and ready to provide the warmth and comfort your family needs.

About Fire N’ Stone

Fire N’ Stone is a full-service chimney, fireplace, stove, and custom stonework company serving homeowners throughout central New Hampshire. Our services include chimney sweeping and repair, fireplace maintenance, rebuilding and installation, and custom design work. We’re family owned and operated with over 13 years of industry experience. Our technicians are fully licensed, insured, and certified, so you can rest assured you’re in good hands.Please stop into our 3,400 square-foot showroom at 539 Laconia Rd., Tilton, NH, and browse over 60 built-in fireplaces, inserts, and stoves, or call us to book an appointment at 603-293-4040.