Spring is an excellent time for doing many chimney maintenance tasks.
Spring is a time that homeowners often don’t think about their chimneys. With it being a warmer season, you may even neglect your chimney. However, spring is an excellent time for doing many chimney maintenance tasks. We suggest scheduling a chimney inspection and cleaning during the spring while issues are relatively small, and you can catch them. Here is how to prepare your chimney for spring.
Take Care of Fireplace Odors
A wood fire can have quite an appealing smell while it’s burning. However, the smell of an unclean chimney mixed with humidity isn’t pleasant whatsoever. An odor that causes your nose to wrinkle could indeed be a sign that you need a chimney repair. Professional chimney sweeps like us have the proper equipment and the expertise to remove ash and creosote neatly. You should also note that an uncapped chimney leaves holes in your roof in which the rain can come in and combine with an uncleanly stack which hardens residue and creates odor.
Take Care of Cracks Because They Lead to Chimney Leaks
Maryland is known for having unpredictable weather, even during the spring. Maryland has freeze and thaw cycles and rain cycles that could impact your chimney. Water can seep into even the smallest of cracks, causing more water to get in and refreeze. Freeze and thaw cycles can even crack boulders. With that in mind, imagine the damage that could happen to your chimney. You should schedule repairs before the heavy rain cycle occurs during the spring. Otherwise, repairs may be costly. We can undoubtedly take care of (but aren’t limited to) these issues:
- Damaged crowns
- Waterproofing chimneys
- Cracked blocks
Close Your Dampers During Spring
Open dampers can jeopardize the cold air that you enjoy so much in your home during the warmer months. Failing to close dampers also leaves room for wildlife to make an appearance, even with screens. Some rodents can fit through tiny holes. Closing dampers will also protect your fireplace and home from potentially violent summer storms. Chimney leaks can bypass your chimney cap and flow right past your open damper.
Don’t Be in Despair If Your Chimney Needs Repair
Champion Chimneys, Inc. is a fully licensed, bonded and insured chimney service company that has been serving customers in Baltimore County, Howard County, and Anne Arundel County, Maryland since 2001. Our team is trained and certified by Certified Chimney Professionals, Inc. (CCP, Inc.). Courteous service is our trademark, and our crews arrive on time in uniform, driving fully equipped trucks. We specialize in all aspects of your chimney system. Whether you need chimney and flue cleaning service or a full chimney rebuild or inspection, contact us at 443-Chimney today and let us fix all your chimney problems. Also, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.