A lot of people put off having their chimneys cleaned, inspected, and repaired until just before seriously cold weather sets in. Waiting this long may not be a good idea. National Chimney Cleaners of Morris County, NJ, and Fairfield County, CT, would like to share two primary reasons why it’s definitely best to schedule annual chimney services in the early fall or even before.
1. Companies are less busyIn the summer and early fall, chimney companies tend to have easier schedules. This makes arranging a service visit simpler and allows you to have the crew out to your house at a time that’s convenient for you.
As fall progresses and it gradually gets colder, more and more homeowners start scrambling to schedule chimney inspections, cleanings and repair work. Service crews get very busy, and getting your home on their schedule can be tricky – and in some cases, impossible.
This is a common scenario in Morris and Fairfield counties. People here tend to use their fireplaces a lot during the cold months and want a clean bill of health as they move into winter. If you’re one of a large number of homeowners who are trying to get work done just before winter starts, your service may not get scheduled until we’re well into the winter season.
Should an inspection turn up problems with your chimney that need moderate to extensive repair work, it’ll be easier to get that work taken care of if you schedule the inspection in the early fall or late summer.
While most chimney inspectors are qualified to perform repairs, rebuilding and component-replacements, they may not always be able to handle certain tasks right at the time of the inspection.
Examples of chimney work that often can’t be started and finished on the day of the inspection include:
You should allow a reasonable timeline for these and other larger chimney and fireplace projects.
Fall chimney servicesChimney professionals recommend that several services be performed before winter arrives and heavy fireplace use begins.
Chimney sweeping: If you use a wood-burning fireplace, your chimney should be swept (cleaned) annually to remove flammable creosote and debris.
Chimney inspection: A thorough chimney inspection will uncover early signs of damage and malfunction throughout your chimney/fireplace system.
Chimney waterproofing: If you haven’t had your chimney waterproofed, early fall is a good time to schedule this work.
Chimney repairs: Many repairs can be done at any time of year, but it’s always better – and safer for the crews – to schedule them during nicer weather.
Chimney rebuilding: If your chimney needs to be partially or completely rebuilt, warmer weather is ideal for setting the new mortar that will hold the bricks together.
Get on the road to a safe and healthy chimney
National Chimney Cleaners is ready to help with all your chimney and fireplace needs. Give us a call in early fall to schedule a visit with an experienced chimney technician. Call 800-631-6177 or reach out with our handy contact form.
