It just dawned on us this week that this will be one of the last blog posts of the year! 2017 is quickly coming to an end. We’ve shared so much about chimney cleaning, chimney repair, and chimney inspections this year. We’ve met new clients and reconnected with regulars. We truly feel fortunate to have such a great connection with the people we serve. Here are a few things to remember throughout the new year.
- Chimney Inspections are Important! The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends at least one chimney inspection per year regardless of whether the chimney is used or not. A frequently-used chimney needs to be inspected more frequently. Call us for more information, please.
- Chimneys Take Water Damage All Year. Your chimney, especially if it is brick or stone, is porous. Rain and melting snow seep into it and stay there until the water goes through the freeze-thaw process. Water does evaporate from the brick and mortar in time, but if it’s left through the winter, it’s causing serious problems.
- Waterproofing Your Chimney will Save its Life. The freeze-thaw process, as we mentioned above, is very damaging to the chimney. The only way to prevent it is to waterproof the chimney. The best time to waterproof is during the spring or summer because that’s when the existing water will evaporate more effectively. Waterproofing agents allow water to evaporate through, but do not allow more water to penetrate.
- Replace Your Smoke Alarm and Carbon Monoxide Detector Batteries. The changing of the batteries needs to be done every year. Take the time to call us to schedule your annual chimney inspection and change your batteries at the same time.
- Have Your Dryer Vent Cleaned. The dryer causes more than 15,000 fires every year. That’s pretty scary when you think about it. The small pieces of lint that make it through the filter and into the hose are extremely flammable and can be ignited by the smallest spark of static electricity.
- Even an Unused Chimney Needs an Inspection. Remember the water damage we mentioned in 2 and 3? That damage still happens whether or not you use the chimney. Critters like birds and small animals can still climb into the flue looking for safety from the elements or prey animals or birds. They can become stuck in the chimney even if you don’t use it. Always have your chimney inspected at least once a year.
Fireplace Safety and Chimney Inspections in Drexel Hill
We have two CSIA Certified chimney sweeps standing by to assist you with your chimney needs. Give us a call at 610-626-2439 to schedule an appointment for a chimney inspection or cleaning. We provide chimney services throughout the Main Line region.