After the harsh winter weather we had, your chimney is most likely in need of an inspection to look for needed repairs. Spring is a great time to contact Ashbusters for a chimney sweeping and inspection because your chimney is in need of attention as well after working all winter to keep you warm. Cold winter weather can cause a lot of damage to a chimney, and you may have crucial repair work that needs to be addressed. We would like to share with you some suggestions on what you can do this spring to ensure your chimney works safely and properly.
Make a post-winter appointment for your annual chimney sweep and inspection.
As recommended by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), your fireplace and chimney should be swept and inspected every year for proper maintenance. It is essential to be sure your chimney is functioning correctly with proper ventilation. You want it to be free of debris blockages and dangerous creosote build-up. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)-certified chimney sweeps from Ashbusters will thoroughly clean your fireplace and chimney, from top to bottom, as well as carefully examine the exterior and interior of your chimney to check for any fire hazards. Scheduling an inspection with our technicians allows us to check for damages and needed repair work, which can include:
- Chimney Relining: If any damage to your flue liner is discovered during your chimney inspection, spring is the perfect time to have your chimney relined. Our CSIA-certified technicians at Ashbusters have much expertise in both repairing damaged flue liners and replacing liners that are beyond repair. A functioning flue liner is essential for safety reasons because it protects your chimney walls from smoke and toxic gases, which prevents chimney fires from starting. Your chimney either has a clay or a metal liner. A clay liner can crack, and when this happens, carbon monoxide can leak into your house, causing serious health issues. Aluminum liners can rust and corrode, or even be damaged by animals. We can repair and replace your old clay flue liner with HeatShield or by the cast-in-place method; however, if your clay liner is beyond repair, we recommend a newer stainless steel flue liner as it is durable and comes with a lifetime warranty when professionally installed by an Ashbusters technician.
- Damper or Chimney Cap Replacement: The CSIA has said that the efficiency of these two parts of your chimney is crucial to saving energy and money, as well as keeping water leaks out during the spring and summer months. If your damper is stuck open, it is the same thing as leaving a window in your house open. Cold air escapes, bugs get in, the rain pours into your house, etc. If the damper is stuck closed, you cannot start a fire because your flue is closed-off and unable to filter smoke and gases. Similarly, your chimney cap fitting correctly on the top of your chimney is very important because not only does it also keep rain out of your chimney, but it prevents stray animals from setting up home there. If you are having issues with both of these parts, Ashbusters can install a top-mounted damper that acts as a damper and a chimney cap, which can easily solve both problems.
- Water Leak Repairs: Freezing temperatures can cause the bricks and mortar of your chimney to crack and become loose, which causes water to penetrate your chimney. Ashbusters will identify and repair areas allowing water to leak into your chimney and home, and we can apply several preventive measures to keep the water out of your chimney.
If you would like to schedule an appointment for a post-winter chimney sweep and inspection, with our CSIA-certified sweeps, contact Ashbusters today. We are happy to help you with any chimney needs you have.