Preparing Your Chimney For Fall

The days are getting shorter, and the kids are soon heading back to school. Fall is right around the corner, and the chilly temperatures will be here before you know it. Is your chimney ready to keep you warm for all the cold days ahead? Now is the perfect time to start preparing your chimney for fall and winter. It is time to ensure your chimney is safe to use, and you’ll get an optimal performance from your hearth and chimney. Here are the things you need to do to prepare your chimney for fall.

Have your chimney swept and inspected

As a homeowner with a chimney, you should get chimney sweeping and inspection performed by a certified professional at least once per year regardless of a wood-burning, pellet or gas fireplace. During the sweeping, your chimney technician will clear any buildup of creosote or debris, which could cause a chimney fire or cause smoke to go back into the house. Next, your chimney technician will visually inspect the chimney for damage, flaws or malfunctions that interfere with the safe use of your hearth system.

If your chimney is inspected annually, the inspection is simple and straightforward. However, a sweep will perform a more in-depth inspection if you have recently purchased a new home, if the fireplace has been unused for a long period of time, or if damage is suspected inside your chimney.

Cap your chimney

Before the cold and wet weather of fall and winter hit, you need to make sure your chimney is protected from it. Your chimney needs a cap to prevent water from running down the flue. Ideally, the cap should be surrounded by a wire cage. This works to keep animals and debris out, as well as keep embers from flying out of the chimney to pose a fire damage to your rooftop or surrounding. If your throat damper is faulty, you need to consider protecting your chimney flue with a top-sealing chimney damper. It fits on top of your chimney, and it creates a tight seal against the elements when your chimney isn’t in use while also providing a protective overhang when it is in use.

Address repairs

If you have noticed any deficiencies in your chimney or if your inspection reveal the need for repairs, now is the perfect time to address those problems. Chimney damage only get worse during the winter months, as your chimney deals endures moisture and freezing temperatures from the outside and extreme heat from the inside.

Chimney damage can threaten the structure of your home or put your home at risk for smoke, fire or water damage. While fall is approaching, there is still time to get your chimney repaired before fireplace season. Prepare your chimney now so it’s ready for the first fire of the season.