There’s nothing like curling up next to a warm fire on a cold winter night. If you use your fireplace frequently, as many homeowners do in the fall and winter months, it’s important to have your chimney inspected annually by a professional to keep it in good shape. Not every chimney with a problem has obvious outward symptoms. However, there are warning signs that you can look for to identify a potential issue. It’s important to keep your chimney in good repair to reduce the risk of fire or further damage, so contact North Shore Roofing for advice if you suspect a problem.
Keep Your Chimney Clean
Experts recommend that you have your chimney professionally cleaned every
However, the more often you use your fireplace, the more often you should have it cleaned to prevent a buildup of soot and other residue inside. This is a crucial part of preventative maintenance when it comes to your fireplace, as it doesn’t take much accumulation inside to present a fire hazard. Make sure to clean your fireplace’s firebox (the area in which you place the logs) at least once a month during the seasons when you are using your fireplace often.
Be Sure to Close the Damper
The damper is an important feature of your fireplace that lets you easily close off the fireplace when you’re not using it. If you forget to close your damper after a fire, it can cause a great deal of heat to escape from your home via the chimney, and might cause an increase in your heating bills. Always ensure that your damper is fully closed in between using your fireplace.
Consider Investing in a Chimney Screen
A chimney screen can be inexpensively installed on your chimney to prevent debris, like small branches, from getting into your chimney. However, one hazard that may be presented by some types of chimney screens is that the holes are so small that creosote and soot can clog the openings, presenting a fire hazard. Discuss your options with a chimney or roofing professional to determine what’s best in your situation.
Inspect Your Chimney’s Flashing
The flashing around your chimney prevents leaks and preserves your chimney’s structural integrity, so it’s important to keep it in good repair. Inspect your chimney’s flashing at least once a year for any signs of damage or missing sections. This can occur when heavy rain or high winds gives your flashing a beating over time. These segments will need to be replaced by a professional, such as North Shore Roofing.
If you suspect a problem with your chimney, or just want to have it inspected, contact the full-service roofing professionals of North Shore Roofing for advice and assistance. Our dedicated, highly trained, and extensively experienced team of professionals, located in the Boston area, are well-versed in all things roofs and chimneys. Give us a call today at 978-977-3816 or visit us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NorthShoreRoofingMA/ for more useful tips.
