Summer is here, and we’re excited about getting outside and enjoying the warm weather! As you resume your favorite seasonal activities, it’s imperative to stay on top of elements of your home that may slip your mind as the weather gets hot — like your chimney. Even though you may not gather huddle up by the fire during the summer, you should still take care of certain chimney and fireplace maintenance tasks to ensure the system is ready to fire up again come autumn:
Clean Your Fireplace
Remove ashes from your firebox, but make sure they are completely cool before you begin. You can use a vacuum or a shovel and bucket to facilitate this. Upon removal, you can clean the fireplace with an even mixture of cleaning solution and water. You must make sure the cleaning solution being used is not flammable as there is a chance remnants of the solution will remain inside the fireplace and cause issues when you’re ready to fire it up again later in the fall. Don’t forget to also clean the glass fireplace doors to remove any soot or creosote buildup. For industry-grade solutions from certified chimney professionals, call on Davis Brothers Chimney Sweep & Masonry!
Make Sure Your Damper is Closed
Like any sensible homeowner, you want the air-conditioned air to stay inside your house as opposed to having it escape needlessly. As such, make sure your damper is completely closed. This will also help avoid any chimney draft issues that may result in unpleasant odors permeating through your home.
Get an Annual Chimney Sweeping and Inspection
The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) as well as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommend homeowners having their chimney swept and inspected before using it in the fall. That said, summer is the perfect time to do so! Our professionals will remove all soot and creosote from your chimney and repair any damage that may render it unsafe to use.
While there are tasks you can do to make the most out of summer, it’s crucial to call on experts that can adequately assess the state of your chimney and fireplace. For more information about cleaning your fireplace or chimney repair, contact us today!