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September
23
23
Fireplace and Chimney Maintenance: Homeowner's Fall Guide
With fall's chilly weather setting in, many homeowners with fireplaces are looking forward to warming up next to a cozy evening fire. Before you start using yours regularly, though, you'll want to make sure your fireplace and chimney are clean and safe to use. Follow these tips from our real estate agents to get your chimney in tip-top shape this fall.
- Inspect the Masonry
First, check your chimney's masonry for signs of damage. There should be no visible chips or cracks in the bricks or gaps in the mortar. Check the entire length of the structure, using a sturdy ladder to help you reach the higher parts.
Keep an eye out for signs of discoloration. White stains indicate that a brick has absorbed a lot of water and leeched its salt content onto its surface in response. This usually happens when there's a serious leak somewhere, so make note of this if you spot it.
Black sooty stains are equally concerning, but for the opposite reason. These indicate that one or more chimney fires broke out at some point. Even if these fires were small, you never know how bad the next one will be. Stay safe and call a professional right away. - Check Out Your Chimney's Cap, Crown, and Flashing
Chimney caps, crowns, and flashing work together to keep rain and debris out of the structure. Take a close look at yours to make sure they're still intact. Both the cap (the grated part metal part) and the flashing (the metal that seals the area between your chimney and the roof) should be clean and free of dents, rust, or warping. The crown (the concrete) should have no obvious cracks or chips in it. - Clean Your Fireplace
Because your fireplace is connected to your chimney, cleaning it out can reveal signs of potential issues within the structure. Clean the entire inside of the firebox (the area where your fires burn), including any inserts you've placed there. Sweep up any ash or leftover kindling. Once this is done, check your fireplace for any cracks or crumbling areas. - Clean Up Your Chimney's Exterior
Once you've gotten your fireplace squeaky clean, it's time to check on your chimney's exterior. Trim any trees that are getting close to the chimney to keep things looking neat and avoid fire hazards. Rake up any leaves that have collected around the base of the structure to keep moisture from pooling at that spot and damaging the masonry. Make sure there are no twigs, leaves, or birds' nests near the top of the structure, and rinse off any soot you find with a gentle stream of water. - Schedule a Professional Inspection
There's no substitute for professional expertise when it comes to important safety concerns like fireplace and chimney maintenance. Get your chimney checked out by a qualified chimney repair company before the winter arrives. You'll catch any emerging problems before they turn into hazards, allowing you to use your fireplace as often as you like without worrying about what could go wrong.
When your inspector arrives, let them know about any issues you spotted while doing the other activities on this list. While they'll likely notice the same things you did, flagging these concerns in advance streamlines the inspection process and allows them to direct their attention to areas that need it most.
Do you wish you had a fireplace to take care of, or are you hoping to upgrade the one you've got? Our team can help you find the perfect property for your needs and budget. Contact us today to get started.