Pellet stoves, gas heaters, and wood fireplaces work hard all winter long to keep homes cozy when temperatures are at their lowest. As such, it’s probably no surprise that chimney contractors advise homeowners to give their flues a little TLC come spring. If your house has a chimney, here’s what you should know about maintaining it once the weather starts to warm again. 

3 Spring Maintenance Tips for Chimneys

1. Close the Damper

Once you’re done using the stove or fireplace for the season, make sure to close the damper at the top of the chimney. An open damper can invite critters into your home. It can also force your HVAC system to work harder than it has to during the hottest time of year. 

Finally, it can allow rain into the chimney, especially during violent summer storms when the rain falls sideways, bypassing the cap. This, in turn, could lead to water damage in the flue. 

2. Clean the Flue

For optimal safety, the National Fire Protection Association advises homeowners to clean their chimneys once a year. Creosote, which is a byproduct of the combustion process, accumulates inside the walls of the flue over time. 

Since this film poses a fire hazard, it’s best to call a chimney contractor at the end of each season and have them remove it. Staying on top of chimney cleaning will also improve the air quality in your home and keep musty or smokey odors at bay.

3. Inspect the Structure

Chimneys should be inspected by seasoned professionals once a year. A knowledgeable contractor will evaluate the condition of the structure and address any minor issues, like cracks, before they cause major damage, like extensive leaks. 

As long as you turn to a full-service company, you should be able to schedule the cleaning and inspection during the same visit. 

When you’re ready to schedule the cleaning and inspection, turn to American Masonry & Chimney. Based in Rochester, NY, and serving homeowners across Erie and Monroe counties, this licensed and insured chimney contractor boasts more than a half-century of experience. Their highly trained team is equipped to install, maintain, and repair chimneys and fireplaces. To learn more about these services, visit their website. To schedule your cleaning and inspection, call (585) 865-4170.