Having a fireplace in your home can be very convenient during the winter months and can also make a room look more appealing. However, it is very important to note that fireplaces and chimneys need to be cared for an regularly maintained to ensure that they remain in safe working condition. It is especially important to ensure that you don't neglect your chimney, as doing so can actually end up being dangerous.
Luckily, maintaining a chimney is not overly difficult; you will just need to be organized and make sure that maintenance is performed according to a regular schedule. Use the following tips to maintain your home's chimney:
Schedule an Annual Chimney Inspection
When you own a home with a fireplace, an annual chimney inspection is absolutely essential. During an inspection, a professional will carefully inspect the inside and the outside of your chimney, including the inner chimney flue liner and the exterior masonry. Regular inspections will identify small issues so you can have repairs made before those small issues become big problems that can be very expensive to repair.
Get Your Chimney Cleaned
Over time, soot and age will build up inside your chimney flue. If there is too much build up of soot and ash, it can actually catch on fire inside the chimney, which is obviously very dangerous. When you have your chimney inspected, the level soot and ash build up will be checked; if the chimney inspection team advises you that there is excessive build up inside the chimney, it is important to have your chimney cleaned as soon as possible. The inspection team or a chimney cleaning service will remove the build-up of ash and soot so you can safely use your fireplace throughout the summer without the risk of a fire.
Replace the Chimney Cap as Needed
The chimney cap plays a very important role in keeping moisture and debris out of your chimney. A chimney cap with a mesh surround will also do a great job keeping animals, such as birds, mice, or squirrels, from building nests inside your chimney during the seasons that you are not using your fireplace. Chimney caps can wear out, so if you have an old cap that is no longer doing its job, make sure that you replace it promptly.
These are just a few ideas for how you can take care of your chimney. Contact local contractors to learn more.
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