There’s something nostalgic and aesthetically beautiful about a roaring fire in the fireplace on a cold Winter’s day. Keeping your chimney maintained is essential in having your fireplace working safely and efficiently in order to continue enjoying the warmth. The winter months are quickly approaching which means fireplaces will be in full use. A yearly maintenance check should be performed on your chimney and fireplace, as well as considering a Chimney Liner Chicago.
If you haven’t already done so after the end of the cold season remove all ashes and stains from the fireplace. A great way to recycle fireplace ashes is by adding them to your compost. Removing soot and fire stains from the fireplace may take a little elbow grease, but can easily be accomplished with soapy water and a wire brush. Cleaning the damper may be a bit more difficult so make sure you are properly protected with eye protection and gloves. Check to ensure the damper device can open and close easily.
While the majority of chimney maintenance should be completed by professional chimney sweepers, there are some safeguarding steps you can do yourself. When checking the outside of the chimneys make sure to have an appropriate sized screen or cap on top. This will reduce the amount of debris that can make its way down the chimney shoot. Any cracks you find can be easily fixed by applying mortar. Caulking around the base of the chimney will prevent leaks and soot from coming into the fireplace. Visit website for more details.
For energy efficiency, safety, and easier maintenance you may want to consider having a Chimney Liner Chicago installed. A chimney liner can greatly eliminate the buildup of soot and creosote. These substances are very hard to clean and extremely flammable. The liner will provide a blockade between the fire, chimney, and the other structures of your home. A liner will increase energy efficiency as it promotes a brighter burning fire which minimizes the loss of heat. Most importantly, chimney liners are easier to clean than brick and mortar.
Overall, a properly maintained chimney is a safer and better-performing chimney. The use of a chimney liner will lengthen the lifetime of your chimney. The liner also provides added safety and security. You will be able to enjoy all of those benefits for years to come. For more information please contact Chimney USA Inc.
