5 Pre-Inspection Chimney Tips for a Safe Holiday Season

It is that time of year again when the weather turns chilly, and you’re probably spending most of your time indoors. If you’re fortunate enough to have a fireplace in your home, then you know just how cozy and warm it can keep you when the winter weather hits. Fireplaces are also the perfect place for the family to gather around after a hearty Thanksgiving Day meal! That’s why it’s incredibly important that your fireplace is in good working order before you invite the family and friends over for the holidays. Your fireplace must be inspected each and every year before the first use of the season. As Fall quickly turns to Winter, now is a great time to schedule a chimney inspection. We’ve got some great pre-inspection chimney tips to help you get ready.

Check Your Exterior

After you’ve scheduled your chimney inspection, visually assess the exterior of your chimney. Look for chipped bricks or masonry joints, cracks or holes, and any leaning. If you have a pre-fabricated metal chimney, keep an eye out for corrosion, stains, or loose sections. Also, if you have an exposed chimney in your attic, be sure to check that area for issues.

Chimney Caps

A good chimney cap can help reduce damage from water and wildlife. An uncapped chimney is exposed to snow and rain, which can cause expansion damage. Critters that crawl or fly into your chimney can create clogs with their nests, and might also bring fleas, worms, ticks, and other pests into your home. By installing a chimney cap with a mesh screen, you can protect your chimney from unwanted critters and damage from the elements.

Check for Leaks and Stains

Next, go inside and check around the chimney for any stains or dampness, which are potential signs of faulty flashing or a damaged flue liner. If you see any signs of water damage around your chimney, call a professional chimney sweep right away.

Inspect Your Flue

Find and open the clean-out door at the base of the chimney flue in your basement or outside. With a small mirror and flashlight, inspect the inside of the flue for any soot buildup, cracks, holes, or separation.

Check Your Interior

Look for any wear and tear on the brickwork of your fireplace. Make sure the damper opens and closes with ease. Check for soot buildup in the smoke chamber above the damper.

Schedule a Chimney Inspection Today!

After performing these basic safety checks, make note of any issues you find, then schedule your annual cleaning and inspection with Doctor Flue. Our expertly trained technicians will inspect your chimney from the inside-out to determine if your chimney is in safe working condition. If a problem is detected, we’ll walk you through all of you chimney service options.  Contact us online or give us a call at (800) 438-3583 to get started!

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