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Chimney Preparation for Winter

As cold weather approaches, one thing many homeowners can look forward to is putting their fireplace to good use, warming themselves and their families after long day s out in the cold. More than likely, your fireplace has not been used as frequently throughout the warmer months, so make sure you take the necessary precautions before burning again on a regular basis. Taking these steps will ensure that your chimney is in proper working order and that your family is safe throughout the season.

Get a Professional Inspection

One of the most stressed things in the chimney and fireplace world is the importance of regular cleanings and inspections done by professionals. There are always many do-it-yourself options for checking up on your chimney’s health, but codes are updated so regularly that having a certified expert come to your home is truly the safest option for your home and family. You never know what you may be missing or what hidden repairs will be necessary before the burning season, and not getting inspected will put both your home and family at an increased risk for harm.

Check Smoke Detectors

Make sure your home is equipped with both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and that they are located close to the fireplace. Regularly check the batteries on all of these devices and test them to ensure that they are in proper working order. With more frequent fireplace use and a lower likelihood of proper ventilation (as many close doors and windows throughout the winter months), these devices help to ensure that the air in your home is clean and not damaging your family’s health and well-being.

Plan for Bad Weather

Fireplaces places offer a great back-up for when the lights go out and the heat is not working due to the nasty winter weather outdoors. With colder months soon approaching, have a plan laid out for when this weather hits and be sure to regularly check up on the weather forecast so that you are adequately prepared.

Consider buying a log holder that you can place directly next to your fireplace, in case you need to get a fire going quickly. Also, ensuring that you have all of the proper tools needed to start and maintain a strong fire through any winter storm will make your life easier in the long run, as well as ensure that your home is properly heated when electricity is not an option.

Stock Up On Fuel

Part of being prepared for the winter months is making sure that your fuel supply is well-kept and properly stocked ahead of time. You will want to check that any wood you are using is properly seasoned and has been dried out for at least six months, to ensure easy burning. Look for something light weight, darker, and split when picking out wood.

Call the certified professionals at Olde Town Chimney Sweeps (804-693-2859) today to get inspected and allow yourself peace of mind before the cold weather hits.

Home Builders Are Not Chimney Professionals

While it may seem logical to hire a home builder to inspect your fireplace and offer services as far as repairs and cleaning, this is not the best option for adequately maintaining your chimney. While home builders have many important skills, fireplace maintenance is rarely one of their focal points. Overall, the best option for chimney care and cleaning is to hire a professional who specializes in that field. If you are due for an inspection or are worried that your fireplace is in need of repairs before burning season, make sure the person you are hiring is qualified by following these guidelines.

CSIA Certification

A proper chimney expert will be certified with the Chimney Safety Institute of America. This is a nation-wide certification that ensures the person you hired has gone through various training and schooling to become the best that they can be in their field. Those who are certified take pride in their accomplishment and appreciate the learning advantages that they were offered while gaining this honor.

Another advantage to hiring a CSIA certified professional is knowing that they are up-to-date on all current chimney-related practices. The CSIA requires that their certification be renewed on a regular basis to make sure that everyone is informed of the latest techniques and practices. They recognize that things often change and staying updated on current technologies is vital for ensuring safety.

Proper Business Techniques

Look at how long the company has been in business and see if they have any reviews or references that will offer insight into their level of service. Never be afraid to ask for proof of proper insurance and licensing certifications. Any good company should be proud to show off their credentials. Take a look at any possible complaints the company might have received as far as lack of professionalism or not enforcing proper techniques.

Why Professionals are Necessary

You may be wondering why it is so important to ensure that a professional examines and works on your chimney. It comes down to ensuring the longevity of your chimney and making sure that your home and family is protected when you put your fireplace to use. If a chimney is not up to code or properly cleaned the likelihood of a house fire increases immensely.

A chimney fire can occur for many reasons, but a major one is creosote build-up. When you start a fire in your fireplace, creosote starts to form. Creosote will accumulate more quickly if all of the parts of the chimney are not running smoothly, inhibiting air flow. Since creosote is very flammable, the importance of having a properly cleaned and maintained chimney cannot be stressed enough. Chimney experts will be able to tackle excess debris and offer many other services and advice in regards to whatever chimney problems might be occurring within your home.

The fireplace professionals at Olde Town Chimney Sweeps are trained and certified to fulfill your exact needs. Call 804-693-2859 and make an appointment today.