A person performing a service on a chimney.

Davis Brothers Remind Customers to Schedule Fireplace Maintenance

It’s officially winter, and many homeowners will be relying upon their fireplaces to keep their homes warm as the temperatures decline. For this reason, and many others, fireplace maintenance is essential to avoid house fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, and improve air quality throughout your home. As the most reputable fireplace sweep in Cape May County, NJ, we want to share some tips on why fireplace maintenance is so essential.

Save Money on Repair Costs

If soot is left unchecked, it can corrode a fireplace and cause thousands of dollars worth of damage. When soot from a wood fire combines with any moisture, it becomes acidic. The acids produced can slowly eat away at a fireplace. If soot has been sitting on your fireplace since spring, it will corrode steel fireboxes, damper frames, mortar, and masonry. 

Any open mortar joints, rotted fireboxes, or cracks can lead to a failure when it comes to fireplace inspection. Additionally, these issues are a potential fire hazard. In the winter weather, water can enter your home through these damaged areas, leading to costly but preventable damage.

Improve Air Quality

If you can smell smoke, you’re likely breathing smoke. With fireplaces, smells are ok in minimal doses. However, prolonged exposure can be carcinogenic, and it’s terrible for people that have asthma or any other respiratory disorders. By scheduling fireplace maintenance, you can significantly reduce your exposure to smoke, making it easier for you and your family to breathe and protect your lungs.

Prevent Chimney Fires

Your chimney flue can be damaged at any time, especially during stormy winter weather. Professional fireplace maintenance will identify any safety issues inside your flue area. This includes cracks, open mortar joints, and glazed creosote. Glazed creosote is a buildup that is almost impossible to remove with traditional brushing. The majority of chimney fires start because this substance builds over time and ignites inside the flue. Open mortar joints and cracks will allow gasses, heat, and buildup to spread to areas that cannot handle this scale of abuse. These problems can all lead to a house fire.

For more information, or to schedule fireplace maintenance services in Cape May County, NJ, contact a member of our team today.