Chimney Tips for New Fireplace Owners

Fireplace maintenance may seem intimidating at first. Due to its size, it’s one of the most difficult-to-clean places in your house. In addition, you most likely only use it during winter, which means you rarely think about its overall upkeep for the rest of the year. For instance, you might wait until the end of fall to schedule a chimney masonry repair project instead of prioritizing it earlier. But no matter the time of year, you should still put the well-being of your fireplace at the top of your to-do list. Without proper maintenance, it may lose its function over time. 

As one of the leading providers of quality chimney services, Chimney Doctors advises that taking care of your fireplace is a must. If you’re a new fireplace owner, here are some essential tips for fireplace and chimney maintenance that might help you in the long run. 

Hire a Professional Cleaner 

To ensure that your chimney is well taken care of, hire a qualified chimney sweep. The size, height and fragility of your chimney make it hard to clean compared to other parts of your home. Your chimney should also be cleaned about once a year, perhaps, before the winter season. 

Before hiring a professional to maintain your chimney, make sure that the company has the proper credentials and references. It’s also important to take note if the pros have the appropriate insurance to save you from any financial and legal responsibilities in case of any accidents that occurred during work. With the ideal cleaner, your chimney will be in great shape all year round. 

Prioritize Chimney Safety 

After hiring a professional to clean your chimney, the next thing you have to do is prioritize the safety of your chimney. This means that you should keep an eye on your bricks, flue and chimney liners. 

First of all, the bricks that are used to build your house are not the same kind used in your chimney. As such, make sure that your fire bricks can withstand high temperatures. The type of mortar is also a huge factor in keeping your chimney a safe place. One good example is high-temperature cement, which can hold together your chimney. Crumbling bricks and mortar is also a huge red flag in terms of chimney safety. You might want to have them replaced as soon as possible.  

Another thing that you have to consider is the flue. Always make sure that your flue is open before lighting a fire as this allows smoke to safely exit your home. Take note of any warning signs that might signify a problematic flue. For instance, you may notice your living room getting smokier than usual, or you may find water droplets in your fireplace. This usually means it’s time to clean your flue from debris. 

Chimney liners can also protect your home from fire as they provide an extra barrier for furniture near your fireplace. In unlined chimneys, your belongings may end up burning when the heat of the fire rises too quickly. To prevent this, make sure that your chimney has proper liners. If it needs repair, you might need to contact a chimney company about chimney relining. It’s important to schedule an inspection ASAP if you see any of these issues.

Invest in a Chimney Cap

A chimney cap might seem like an unnecessary accessory at first. However, this metal piece helps keep unwanted materials out of your fireplace. Placed inside the top of your chimney, it prevents heavy rains from getting inside your chimney. Failure to prevent water intrusion may lead to leaks. It also keeps animals from entering your fireplace during the colder months. A chimney cap has several useful functions, so it’s best to invest in one for better protection. 

With these helpful tips, your fireplace will function better than it previously did. For any chimney inquiries, look no further than Chimney Doctors. Call us at (518) 882-5009, or fill out our contact form to set an appointment. We offer services in Saratoga Springs, NY. We look forward to assisting with all your chimney needs. Let us know how we can assist you today!