Keeping Your Chimney in Good Condition This Summer

It may not seem like it but fall weather is just around the corner. It’s not unusual for chimney owners to experience great disappointment when they go to light their first fire of the season. Neglecting a chimney in summer could mean chimney trouble in the fall. To avoid that, here are
3 ways to keep your chimney ready for action.

Schedule a chimney inspection and sweeping

Your chimney may not be the first thing on your mind this summer but scheduling a chimney inspection, now, is the best thing you can do to ensure your chimney won’t have any issues when the cooler weather begins. The fall is considered a “busy” season so it may be more difficult to get the work you want to do, done. Scheduling an inspection in summer can help you identify any problems your chimney has and schedule the maintenance before you need to light a fire. After your inspection, have your chimney cleaned by a professional chimney sweep, who has the right tools and knowledge to get the job done right.

Take care of your damper

A damper is designed to regulate the air flowing through your chimney. An open damper allows smoke to flow up and out of your home.

When a fire is not burning, a closed damper can prevent outside air from coming into your home and make it easier to keep cool. A top mount damper can also reduce the likelihood of critters making a home in your fireplace. For these reasons, during summer, your damper should stay closed. Freeze and thaw cycles can make the damper susceptible to rust so check it often to make sure there is no blockage or rust that would prevent it from opening or closing when you need it to. Older homes may find that their damper is broken or rusted shut which means they cannot light a fire. Test your damper regularly.

Check your chimney cap and screen

Every chimney should have a chimney cap. This piece of equipment is on the front lines when it comes to keeping moisture, animals, and debris out of your chimney. It also prevents hot embers from damaging the roof or nearby structures. The chimney screen fits around the chimney cap to enhance its capabilities. Any maintenance issues, such as a hole in the screen or a cracked cap could allow moisture and other things to damage your chimney. It is recommended to have a chimney inspection and sweep at least once a year to make sure that issues with
your cap, screen, or other parts of your chimney are addressed.

The frigid days of winter may seem a world away but they’re closer than you realize. Before you know it, a warm fire will seem like an amazing idea. Don’t wait till then to find out there are issues with your chimney.

Call us at Hudson Valley Chimney for your yearly inspection or sweep, we can be reached at 845-471-1071 or contact us online to schedule your appointment today.