A warm fire burning in your fireplace is a source of much-needed heat and can enhance your home’s ambiance on short, dreary days throughout the winter. To get the most out of your fireplace, however, it needs to be clean and well-maintained. What essential steps should you take to prepare your chimney for use this winter?
Prevent Water Damage
The vital seals that safeguard your chimney are exposed to a freeze-thaw cycle throughout many months of the year. This cycle is hard on the seals and can eventually lead to cracking. As the damaged seals allow water to penetrate the fireplace, the risk of water damage inside your home grows. This risk continues throughout the year with each rain shower. Prior to the start of the cold weather season, identify and seal cracks to prevent related water damage.
Improve Safety
Your chimney needs to carry smoke up and out of your house. When it is blocked, the smoke and carbon monoxide have no place to go but inside your home. This creates a serious hazard for you and your family members. In addition, a clogged chimney could cause overheating or even a house fire. A professional chimney sweep should clean your chimney before the first use of the season. If you use your chimney frequently, it may be beneficial to schedule a mid-season cleaning as well.
Enhance Heating Efficiency
When your fireplace is clean and in proper working order, the fire is easier to light and can burn more efficiently. This means that the fire will produce more heat and will consume less wood at the same time. Ultimately, this increases your comfort level throughout the cold weather season and can help you moderate home heating expenses. Animals commonly nest in chimneys, and these nests are a common cause of blockages and poor heating efficiency. In addition, a buildup of creosote and other debris can affect efficiency. Chimney cleaning ensures that your fireplace functions optimally and delivers maximum benefits.
Extend Chimney Life
The freeze-thaw cycle that can lead to water damage in your home also impacts the chimney’s structural integrity. In addition, your attic and roof could be negatively impacted. For example, moisture can seep into the small cracks in your chimney and freeze. When this happens, the cracks grow larger and create greater deterioration. As this continues to happen, the structural integrity of the chimney declines and serious safety concerns grow. Significant repair work or even a complete chimney replacement and other repairs are needed if the chimney is severely weakened or damaged.
You can conveniently stay on top of your chimney’s maintenance needs by scheduling a cleaning service and professional inspection at the beginning of each cold weather season. You should also be aware of the signs of a dirty or damaged chimney. Some of these are smoke filling your home, visible soot on the chimney walls and damper, and trouble starting a fire. TriState Roofing and Chimney Specialists is your reliable source for fast, thorough chimney services in New Jersey. Contact us today to schedule service for your home.
