Chimney sweeping and inspection are perfect to add to your spring cleaning list!
Fireplaces and chimneys undergo a significant amount of wear and tear over the course of the winter. Many homeowners use their fireplaces daily as a way to both provide warmth and create a welcoming ambiance in their homes.
However, all this use can have a negative impact on your chimney’s condition. Rather than leaving the chimney as-is and waiting until fall to have it looked at, consider having your chimney swept now. Spring is the perfect time of year to have a chimney swept or have repairs made!
Winter water damage
Water combined with cold temperatures can have devastating effects to the masonry of your chimney. If any bricks have existing cracks, holes, or damage, they can absorb excess water which expands as it freezes in cold temperatures. This freeze thaw process can cause bricks to quickly deteriorate, break, and fall away from the chimney.
Likewise, water may have been able to leak into your chimney through damage to the chimney cap, flashing, or other parts of the masonry of your chimney structure. Having your chimney swept in the spring is the best way to catch this kind of damage before your fireplace and chimney are affected by water entry from spring rains.
Importance of annual chimney sweeping
Chimneys, no matter how often they are used, should be swept and inspected at least once a year. According to National Fire Protection Association Standard 211, “Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary.”
An annual inspection keeps homeowners updated to the condition of their chimney. “A chimney inspection is like an annual dental check-up,” says Ashley Eldridge, Director of Education for the CSIA. “It’s preventative maintenance that helps minimize potential hazards.”
Homeowners who invest in an annual chimney inspection are also less likely to be suddenly hit with a costly chimney or fireplace repair. Instead, small amounts of preventative maintenance are done as necessary to keep their chimney systems in excellent condition. This can also help extend the life of your fireplace in the long run.
Why sweep chimneys in the spring?
After a long winter of use, most chimneys are desperately in use of a good cleaning. Having a chimney swept directly after their heavy use period means that ash, soot, and creosote can more easily be removed. In addition, the mild temperatures and calm weather conditions allow any masonry repairs that may be needed to be quickly completed without the hassle of weather or temperature related delays.
Having a chimney swept in the spring means you will have one less thing to do when the temperatures begin to cool off again in the fall, which is the busiest time of year for most chimney sweep companies. Beat the rush in the fall and have your chimney swept this spring; contact Coopertown Services today to schedule your spring chimney sweep appointment!