There is nothing worse than going to use your fireplace on the first cold day of the year and having your house fill up with smoke or finding clumps of brick and mortar inside the fireplace. All of these things can be avoided if you take preventative measures before the colder months. The chimney isn’t just a pretty fixture attached to your home; it’s an appliance that needs regular protection and maintenance.

Here are 5 ways that you can protect your chimney from damage:

Chimney Cap

Installing a chimney cap will not only keep excessive amounts of water from pouring down the chimney, it will also keep all of the critters out as well. Small creatures and birds may seek refuge inside the chimney during the spring and summer months. This is a great place for them to avoid predators and build nests for their young.

Chimney Inspection

You should hire a chimney sweep to clean and inspect the chimney every year. This will help you make sure that everything is in working order before you use the fireplace for the first time in the season. A regular inspection allows you and your chimney sweep to keep an eye on potentially dangerous situations.

Chimney Cleaning

A buildup of creosote in the chimney is dangerous because it can start a fire that can spread from the chimney to the house quickly. If your chimney has a lot of creosote and you have a lot of water entering your chimney, the combination of both can cause a bad odor which will permeate through the entire house. While this odor will not cause damage, no one really wants a bad smell through their house!

Chimney Repair

If your chimney has been exposed to a lot of moisture, you may notice that the bricks and mortar are crumbling. You may also notice that the chimney cap, flue or the firebox are getting rusted and deteriorating. It is best if you get these items repaired or replaced before the chimney collapses or a fire starts.

Weatherproof the Chimney

To prevent your chimney from absorbing moisture, you can have waterproofing applied to the chimney. The waterproofing will prevent moisture from being absorbed by the outside of the chimney.

If you take the time to do some preventative maintenance in the early fall, you will save yourself time over the winter months. Catching any problems early can also save you hundreds or thousands of dollars in the long term. Give us a call here at Lou Curley’s Chimney Service at 610-626-2439 if you would like to schedule an appointment with our CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps. We specialize in chimney repair, inspection, cleaning, and damage prevention.