Chimney maintenance is essential not just for efficiency, but for home safety as well. Unfortunately, many people think it should be at the bottom of the summer maintenance checklist. If you want to keep your chimney working the way it should and protect your home, summer is the best time to do this. Here are the three essential maintenance tasks that will ensure that you have a comfortable winter.
- Get the chimney inspected. Some people think they can get by if they do this every other year, but an annual inspection is the best way to protect your home. Professional chimney sweeps use equipment that allows them to see deep inside the chimney. They can look for cracks, creosote buildup, or damage to the internal components, such as warping of the damper. An early appointment will get any needed repairs out of the way quickly, so you can avoid the rush later in the year.
- Do your own checks. You will not be able to carry out the same detailed inspection, but a basic inspection can be useful. Pay attention to the chimney crown and the flashing. If there is damage to the crown, this can cause leaks which can lead to chimney odors. An even worse problem can arise if the leak reaches other parts of the home and causes rot or mold growth. Deterioration of the flashing can also cause leaks, so a sweep should be contacted to carry out repairs.
- Get the chimney cleaned. This goes hand in hand with a chimney inspection after winter. The chimney sweep has to remove creosote from the chimney, or the next time you use it there could be a fire inside the structure. Creosote is extremely flammable, and it is responsible for a number of house fires each year. It is important to have the chimney cleaned at least once per year.
To carry out these three tasks each year, you need a chimney company that provides the full range of services. Never do business with a sweep who comes knocking and offering discount rates. Chances are, one or more of these important tasks will be neglected. Later on you will not only have to deal with chimney damage and inefficiency, you could be putting yourself in danger every time you light a fire.
Our chimney services extend well beyond Drexel Hill and into most townships, towns, and cities along the Main Line. Call us at 610-626-2439 to schedule a consultation, chimney inspection, chimney cleaning, or dryer vent cleaning.