When most people think of summer, a number of things come to mind. Most of us think about days by the beach or poolside, blockbuster movies, a range of outdoor activities and many other things that help to define the season. You probably have a lot of things planned and looking forward to that summer vacation, but if you have a fireplace and chimney you should add a thorough cleaning to the honey-do list.
One of the worst things you can do is assume that you can easily get a chimney sweep to check your system as the cold season draws near. Firstly, fall is one of the busiest periods for any type of chimney work, as many other homeowners may neglect their chimney maintenance until the last minute.
Another point to consider is that an early system check will help in identifying problems more quickly. Early detection of potential issues allows you enough time to make the necessary repairs before winter, when you will need the chimney to be in good shape. Here are other good reasons why summer is the best time for chimney maintenance.
- Warm months make chimney work much easier. The chimney sweep does not have to worry about snow on the roof which can create a hazard. If you ignore your chimney until the cold season, snow and ice can be obstructions, preventing the technician from inspecting the system thoroughly.
- It will be easier to see spaces in the masonry that can allow small animals to enter. The warm weather will also be ideal for repairs. Even the smallest spaces can let water get into the chimney system causing problems for the components.
- Chimney protection products, such as sealants, are best applied during warm weather. Otherwise they will not be effective at preventing moisture from entering the chimney’s masonry.
- It is easier to detect odors from creosote buildup or a dead animal in the chimney when the weather is warm. During the cold months these smells will not be as noticeable, and the problem could worsen if left until the next warm season.
When you schedule your chimney maintenance for summer you will be making your life much easier. You will have no trouble getting an appointment because chimney sweeps have much more flexible schedules during this period. On the other hand, leave your chimney cleaning until fall, and you will find yourself competing with the other homeowners who have made the same mistake.
The chimney sweeps here at Lou Curley’s Chimney Service are CSIA Certified, and we participate in continued education throughout the year so that we’re always up to speed on the latest changes in our field. We’re located in Drexel Hill and provide all types of chimney services to homeowners and commercial property owners in the surrounding areas and along the Main Line. Give us a call at 610-626-2439 if you’re interested in scheduling an appointment for a consultation, a chimney inspection, chimney cleaning, or dryer vent cleaning.