Spring is Right Around the Corner: Chimney Checklist
As we patiently wait for the snow to melt and the new blooms start to sprout, what better time to focus on your chimney and fireplace? With all the chores your house will need once we get into warmer weather, now is a great time to consider calling National Chimney to have your chimney inspected and swept. If you are like me, you have used the fireplace quite a bit this winter. As the weather turns and we want to air out the house, now is the time to do a little chimney cleaning on your own. We have provided a Chimney Checklist to get you started this spring.
Seasonal Chimney Checklist:
- Clean out the firebox. Now that you have started limiting your fires, it’s a great time to clean out the ashes and spent wood. Don’t just throw them in the trash. You can use them in a variety of places in your home, inside and out.
- Spread them in your garden. Your plants will love the added nutrients to the soil. Ash adds potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus for healthy growth.
- If you are still dealing with ice on your walkways, ash can be used as ice melt and add traction.
- Odor absorber. Ash helps neutralize odors in places like trash cans, compost bins, and pet areas. Put some ash in an old nylon stocking and tie the stocking up. Scatter these bundles where you need them most.
- You can also polish metal and glass. Mix with a little water, and ash will become a mild abrasive paste. Works great on silver, stainless steel, cloudy glass, and fireplace glass.
- Clean the glass doors. Why not use the ash/water paste? You can also use vinegar and water; it cuts right through the grime.
- Take the accessories outside and give them a good scrubbing. Use equal parts of water and vinegar along with steel wool or a scrub brush. You will be surprised at how clean they get with a little elbow grease.
- Examine the outside of the chimney. White powdery substance on the outside of your bricks, efflorescence, means that there is moisture getting inside the masonry.
Contact National Chimney for your annual inspection and cleaning.
Taking a few minutes each season to check your chimney can prevent costly repairs and keep your fireplace burning safely.
At National Chimney, we not only take the time to ensure your fireplace and chimney are properly cleaned and repaired, but we also go the extra mile to protect your home during the process. We’ll take every precaution necessary to contain fireplace debris. We’ll cover all surrounding areas, including the flooring and furnishings, and we’ll properly dispose of ash, soot, and all other waste we remove from your fireplace. When we’re finished, the only thing left behind will be a clean, safe, properly functioning, and beautiful fireplace.
We strive to provide the highest standard of professional services from our team of experienced chimney cleaners, and all jobs are managed personally by our owner.
