Your home's chimney is designed to safely and consistently channel smoke away from the interior and out of the house. This important structure also ensures that an ample supply of air is present for fireplaces to provide non-toxic fumes. Given its essential role, a chimney requires routine maintenance to protect the entire house from smoke and fire damage. Here are several tips to maintain your roof and avoid chimney repair. 

How to Keep Your Chimney in Top Shape

1. Schedule Annual Cleanings

At least once a year, the chimney should be thoroughly cleaned to completely eliminate creosote, ashes, and other flammable debris. The best chimney repair and maintenance specialists have the proper equipment and techniques to remove creosote, which can accumulate inside the fireplace flue and ignite and lead to chimney repairs. A top-to-bottom service will also typically include removing soot to help prevent airflow blockages, which can cause fire hazards. 

2. Repair Damaged Components 

Any signs of rust, dents, cracks, and other damage should be repaired right away. Faulty caps and flashing can lead to water leaks and unwanted nests set up by birds, squirrels, and other animals. Neglect may also compromise the chimney's structural integrity as well as the safe fireplace operation. It's worth having minor issues fixed before they become costly headaches. 

3. Install Alarm Systems

A clogged chimney can cause carbon monoxide to permeate throughout a house that is caused by trapped air and smoke fumes. This odorless and colorless poisonous gas is deadly. Installing both a smoke alarm and a carbon monoxide detector will alert everyone in the home to quickly vacate before harmful exposure takes over. A chimney repair professional can remove the buildup of grime, and other materials that can block a chimney's channel. 

4. Use the Proper Wood

Certain types such as cedar, poplar, and spruce, which are known as softwoods, tend to produce creosote much faster. An accumulation of the material in your chimney may cause fires. Stick to hardwoods that deliver a hotter and more consistent fire in the fireplace without excessive levels of ash and creosote. These include maple, birch, and oak. Keep in mind wood should also be dried for at least six to 12 months before they are safe to burn. Split logs into smaller pieces as an added precaution for chimney protection. 

By following a few preventive steps, you'll help support your chimney's life span. For more than 20 years, Brogan's Gas Fireplace Repair Virginia Beach has provided expert chimney repair and maintenance services. Based in Virginia Beach, VA, the licensed and insured company has extensive experience restoring the structures back to safe and reliable operation. You can also count on the team of specialists for deep cleanings that include removing creosote, ashes, and other debris to help keep your fireplace in safe operation. Schedule an appointment by calling (757) 774-7352 or book one online.