Chimney Repairs Needed?
There is nothing that quite creates a winter ambiance like a chill in the air and logs burning in your fireplace filling your home with warmth, illuminating through your chimney. It helps to makes a bitter time of the year feel cozy, but it’s also a time to remember how important it is to have a clean and safe fireplace and chimney before you burn a fire. For that reason, Caps & Dampers strongly recommends an annual inspection, a chimney sweep, and possible chimney repairs if needed. They do Farmington Valley chimney sweeps, Greater Hartford chimney sweeps, and chimney repairs in Connecticut. They have extended their high-quality services beyond these areas as well.
Chimney Sweeping Process from Chimney Pros
During a chimney sweep, a Caps & Damper professional will remove any dangerous chemical buildup and repair any structural damages. They will also look for animal nests or any other blockage that could prevent dangerous smoke from leaving the fireplace.
So by far, the #1 tip to maintain a safe and efficient fireplace this winter is to get a chimney inspection and a thorough chimney sweep. Caps & Dampers also highly recommend doing the following:
#2:Use Dry & Well-Aged Wood in Your Chimney
Wet wood or fresh cut wood has higher moisture content and it causes more smoke and soot to buildup in the chimney at a faster pace. It’s always best to use wood that has been dried for at least 8-12 months.
#3:Open & Close the Damper
It’s best to open the damper before starting a fire because it draws the smoke out of the house.
It’s best to close the damper after every fire when the embers have completely stopped burning.
When you close the damper you are decreasing the chance of a bird or small animal from causing blockages or getting into your fireplace. Plus, it helps to keep your heating bill down because it prevents warm air from rushing out through the chimney. When the damper is open it’s like leaving a window open in your home and you never want to lose that warm air during the colder months.
A Caps & Damper professional will help you locate your damper and also show you the best way to open and close your damper
#4:Have a Chimney Cap Installed
Chimney caps prevent rain, snow, and other objects from getting inside of your chimney and they can also reduce downdrafts. Downdrafts occur when the exhaust from the fireplace is blocked and is not venting properly outside. Toxic gases can backup and get into your living space and it’s not only uncomfortable, but it can be lethal for you and your loved ones.
#5:Burn Firewood in Your Chimney Only
Do not burn painted wood or any other type of treated wood because it can release harmful chemicals into your home. Also, do not burn any artificial logs in your fireplace or woodstove because they deposit a larger amount of creosote in your chimney.
Creosote is a highly flammable tarlike chemical that infiltrates your chimney liner each time you burn wood. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that your chimney should be inspected annually to determine if the creosote in your chimney has reached dangerous levels that could cause a chimney fire.
Be safe and improve the performance of your fireplace, woodstove, or any other form of chimney system by burning safe and smart fire. If you are located in the Farmington Valley or looking for a Hartford chimney sweep and inspection then schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Chimney Repair Appointments Booked
Your chimney isn’t going to repair itself. It’s best to get your chimney repair appointment scheduled before it’s too late.
The safety of your home is reliant on you handing the tasks over to chimney professionals.
Chimney Cleaning or Repair Time?
While there’s no good time to get your chimney cleaned or repaired, you should get an annual cleaning done before you start using your chimney a lot for the holiday season. Based on the cleaning, the professionals will diagnose whether you’re in need of a repair.