Chimneys are essential for heating your home, and they can also be a beautiful architectural highlight. But if poorly maintained, they can lead to lots of problems. These five tips can help keep your chimney looking great and working well, improving its efficiency while also keeping you safe.
1. Keep the Chimney Clean
Regular
chimney cleaning by a professional is vital to ensure that creosote, ash, and soot don’t build up in the chimney. Creosote is flammable and can be difficult to remove even for professionals. Left unattended, the buildup eventually becomes thick enough to catch on fire. That’s why you should schedule chimney cleaning by a trained chimney sweep at least every year and more often if needed.
2. Check for Signs of Damage
If your chimney is damaged, you should call a professional immediately. Things like damage to bricks, loose mortar joints, and evidence of leaks are all signs that there may be issues with the structure of your chimney. If you find any, call a professional to fix them immediately before they become bigger and more costly repairs.
3. Waterproof the Chimney
Water can get into your chimney because of rain, snow, and ice buildup. This is a sure way to cause problems with the structure and mortar joints by freezing and expanding, leading to cracks and leaks. To prevent this kind of damage, consider installing a chimney cap. They are designed to prevent water from entering the flue. You should also consider waterproofing your chimney with a sealer.
4. Install a Damper
A damper is a metal plate that is installed inside the chimney, and it helps to prevent heat from escaping up the chimney. It also prevents animals and insects from entering the chimney. Installing a damper is an easy way to help reduce your heating bills.
5. Maintain Your Fireplace Insert
Fireplace inserts are a great way to boost the efficiency of your fireplace. They’re also safer and neater than traditional fireplaces, and they provide an upgrade to your home decor as well. Just like with a wood or gas stove, you need to keep a fireplace insert clean and free of soot buildup. Invest a little time every year to clean it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Well-maintained chimneys don’t catch fire. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, it’s important to make sure your solid fuel venting system is swept and repaired by a CSIA certified chimney sweep annually or whenever needed. If you are looking for a chimney cleaning service, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
