It won’t be long before the leaves start turning. And besides the beautiful foliage, fall means chilly mornings and evenings — perfect times to use your fireplace. However, if you’ve put off summer chimney maintenance, there’s still time to get it done before cold weather arrives. In this blog post, we discuss why you should make chimney cleaning and inspection a top priority.
Fire PreventionIf you live in a climate with cold winters, you’ve probably relied on your fireplace to keep your home warm. When you use your fireplace, creosote and soot build up in the chimney. Creosote is highly flammable and one of the leading causes of chimney fires in the United States. Scheduling chimney cleaning before fall arrives ensures your system is safe and ready when you need it.
A dirty chimney can make your home smell like an ashtray. While this is mainly a problem in humid weather, like summer, it can happen during heavy rains and downdrafts, even in fall. Cleaning your chimney now can make your home smell fresh and clean.
Besides fire, a dirty chimney can impair your fireplace or wood stove’s efficiency. Creosote and soot buildup restrict airflow, resulting in poor combustion, and reduced heat output, and can cause smoke to billow into the house.
An unclean or blocked chimney can lead to harmful combustion byproducts, like carbon monoxide, flowing into your house, putting your family at risk. Regular maintenance and cleaning keep your chimney clean and ensure the toxic gases are properly vented.
Over time, the elements, and heavy usage take their toll on the chimney’s masonry components, like bricks, mortar joints, and the crown. Moisture and the freeze/thaw cycles during winter lead to cracks and deterioration that can compromise the chimney’s structure or cause a fire. A professional chimney sweep will identify problem areas and repair them before you use your fireplace, potentially causing further damage.
Many people assume that because a chimney is made from sturdy bricks, it’s impervious; however, that’s not true. As mentioned, weather and use can cause damage over time, leading to costly repairs or possibly a total rebuild. Regular maintenance by a certified pro will keep your chimney in shape and make it last longer.
When that first cold fall night falls, and you want to light a fire, you don’t want to worry about whether it’s safe. That’s why it’s good to schedule a thorough cleaning and inspection now before fall arrives, so you can be confident that your fireplace and chimney are ready to battle the cold weather ahead.
At National Chimney, we go the extra mile to ensure your chimney, fireplace, and wood stove are in tip-top shape so your family and home are well-protected. Our technicians are licensed, trained, and insured specialists who provide service to the highest industry standards.
We offer a full range of services, including repair, cleaning, inspection, maintenance, and restoration, and our prices are highly competitive.
Now is the perfect time to schedule chimney cleaning and inspection. Call our experts today at 800–631–6177 to schedule an appointment.
