Fall is now upon us, which means most of our time will be spent indoors for much-needed warmth. If you have a fireplace at home, this time of the year is perfect for making sure the chimney and flue are working as intended. Today, we share a simple checklist to help you get started with fireplace maintenance this fall.
1. Visual Inspection of Your Chimney Exterior
Go outside and assess your chimney from a safe vantage point. Take note of any chipping or cracking on the masonry joints or bricks. If made of metal, check for signs of corrosion. Don’t forget to inspect the part of the chimney that’s exposed to your attic. Get in touch with your local chimney repair pro if you find anything out of the ordinary.
2. Chimney Cap Installation or Replacement
A chimney cap prevents water and wildlife from entering your chimney. Without this, your chimney can freeze and thaw, which can lead to damage caused by expansion and contraction brought about by temperature fluctuations. It may also become clogged because of small critters getting trapped inside the chimney, exposing your home to disease-carrying pests. Inform your chimney repair pro about the need to replace your chimney cap, especially if the current one you have looks damaged.
3. Chimney Flue Cleaning
Check the flue for any soot buildup as well as any cracks, holes or separations. You can do this by using a small mirror and flashlight. For a more thorough assessment and cleaning, be sure to call your local chimney sweep.
4. Testing Your Fireplace
Before using your chimney this fall and onwards through winter, be sure to check the brickwork for any wear and tear. Open and close the damper to see if it is working properly. Also, inspect the smoke chamber above it for any soot buildup.
Trust Chimney Doctors for your chimney inspection and maintenance needs this fall and winter. Count on our team to perform chimney masonry repair and chimney cap installation. Call us now at (518) 882-5009, or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve homeowners in Clifton Park, NY, and the nearby areas in Saratoga County.
