Fall is arguably one of the most popular seasons of the year. The weather gets a little cooler, the leaves start to change colors, and there’s a certain smell in the air that resonates warmth and happiness. As holidays begin to draw closer and the weather starts to inch towards single digits, it’s important to take the proper care of your home—especially your chimney. A fire in your living room helps keep your home and the hearts of your family warm, but to keep everyone safe, you need to make sure everything is in working order.
When you’re proactive about preparing your chimney for the colder months, you’ll reap from a number of benefits. Some of them include:
So how exactly do you get your chimney ready for fall? Keep reading to find some of the most important things to do each year.
A professional inspection of your chimney is a smart move, both for your investments and the safety precautions it provides. While you can usually do a general inspection yourself, professionals have the knowledge and experience to notice things that might go unseen to an untrained eye.
During inspection, your mason will let you know if there’s any damage or if you need to get your chimney cleaned. Make sure and listen to any recommendations made to avoid problems down the road. Getting your chimney repaired while it’s still warmer out is essential to keeping the damage to a minimum. As the temperatures begin to drop, compromised bricks can crack and create even more damage, which equates to more money spent. There should be no debris, minimal creosote buildup, no structural damage, and nothing that could potentially malfunction. It’s best to get a professional inspection twice a year, once before fall and once at the start of spring. However, if you only get one, schedule it before using your chimney for the first time of the season.
After you’ve gotten an inspection, make sure you take the time to cap your chimney before it gets too cold. This helps prevent any water from getting into your chimney and seeping into the flue. To ensure that the cap stays free of debris and any animals looking for a warm place to nest, put up a simple wire cage. If you want to go the extra mile, add a top-sealing chimney damper to your flue. This creates a seal around your chimney and decreases the amount of cold air that makes its way into your home.
When you take the initiative to get your chimney ready for fall, you and your family will enjoy a warm, safe, and atmospheric winter. This is why it’s important to make sure you call a professional before it gets too cold. A professional inspection, like the ones done at Chicago Tuckpointing Inc. will make sure that you have no outstanding structural damage and your chimney is free of creosote build up. If we find any damage or buildup, it’s no hassle to make the necessary repairs and get your chimney cleaned in a timely manner. This yearly, or twice-yearly, maintenance is much more affordable than waiting until it’s too late. Plus, all of our trained professionals are certified masonry contractors that will ensure the job gets done right, the first time around. Your safety is our number one priority. Call us today at (708) 942-1951 or visit our website at chicagotuckpointinginc.com.