Moisture, or water damage, causes the most problems for chimneys. When moisture from winter weather sits for a long time, it deteriorates all the components of the brick and mortar chimney over time. While the bricks themselves are moisture-proof, the mortar that binds them together, is not. The mortar can erode when water seems into it, causing the bricks to weaken that it is holding together. Some of the damage that can occur when moisture permeates the bricks is:

• The walls in your home can become stained, discolored and ruined
• The metal and masonry of the actual firebox can deteriorate inside the home
• The clean-out area of the fireplace can become clogged
• A bad smell can occur of water and mixed with creosote in the chimney
• Damp parts can rust and fail to function properly
• The cooling and heating system can become damaged
• The outside of the chimney can become stained and cause an unattractive appearance
• The whole chimney structure can bend and fall

The best solution to the problems listed above, is prevention. Prevention from these problems is quite simple. All you need to do is install a chimney cap. A chimney cap is an inexpensive solution to a potentially expensive problem. If you don’t have a chimney cap, large amounts of water can seep inside the chimney. Chimney caps serve other important functions such preventing the possibility of fire that can be caused by sparks flying out of the chimney as well as preventing animals getting inside the chimney.

After you have enjoyed a beautiful and snowy Chicago winter, it is best to call a chimney professional to see if the condition of your chimney has deteriorated. A professional can come out and perform all the needed repairs to get you ready for the next majestic Chicago winter.

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However, you can mitigate this one particular issue by performing chimney maintenance before the onslaught of the winter season. No doubt the winter season will have you using it many times. What can you do to ensure your chimney is ready for the colder, snowy months that winter brings?

4 Key Tips To Safely Use Your Chimney During The Winter Months

Have An Inspection Done

The first and most important thing you need to do is have the chimney inspected every year or even twice a year. This will ensure your chimney stays in good working condition.  A technician can look over the chimney, looking at the masonry and flashing to ensure there is no damage or cracking. If there are any issues, you’ll need to fix the problem before the first snow. If not, you could experience smoke leaks.

Install A Good Cover

The easiest step in keeping the snow out is to install a chimney cover, which keeps the snow from getting into the chimney. Since there are various chimney sizes, you’ll need to find out what size yours is and find the right size for it. Your chimney technician can let you know what options are available to you.

If your chimney already comes with a cover, be sure it hasn’t been damaged, and it securely fastened in place.

Clean Your Chimney

Your chimney can lead to home fires, even when it’s snowing and cold outside. If your chimney is dirty, the chances of it catching fire increases. Have a chimney technician come by and give your chimney a good cleaning before you have to use it all winter long.

Waterproof The Crown

This would also be the ideal time to apply a waterproof material to the chimney. You have your choices of all kinds of sealants, which will keep moisture from getting into the cracks.

With the threat the snow and below zero temperatures, you need to ensure your house and its occupants are safe. With the four tips listed above, you can make that happen and enjoy the winter months in front of a roaring fire while the snow falls outside.

Chimney Monkey will make your chimney safe again!

Contact us at 312-687-1325 or e-mail at info@ChimneyMonkey.com for a +FREE QUOTE+

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Why Inspect Before the Burning Season?

The functionality of your chimney requires a proper inspection otherwise; you run the risk of witnessing chimney leaks, fires and so on. It is important that you ensure you chimney is the right condition before the period when you need it. Ideally, you should schedule you chimney inspection during the spring season; this will ensure it is in perfect working condition by winter.

Check Your Fireplace

It is crucial that you check your fireplace. This helps boost safety and improve chimney efficiency. While certain firms will offer fireplace inspection together with chimney services, you have to be on the lookout for certain things all through the year and they include:

Ensuring your damper is operational;

Inspecting your masonry for possible cracks, loose bricks and wears;

Lookout for soot buildup in the smoke chamber; and

Making sure you have the tools needed to control your fire.

Reach out to a professional fireplace inspector if you observe or suspect that something is wrong. There may be serious safety and health consequences for ignoring a worn out masonry or a failed damper.

Pay Attention to the Chimney Cap

While it may be impossible to completely predict winter precipitation, you can be sure that there are serious consequences that could arise from a failed chimney cap. The cap was designed to keep out rain and melted snow from your chimney. If this cap becomes faulty, water could enter you chimney if you are lucky. If you are not, the water could find its way into the middle of your chimney masonry and liner. If this is the case, it has to be fixed as soon as possible because it can lead to sever damage in the long run. This is one of the major reasons why it is important that you carry out fireplace and chimney inspection on a yearly basis.

Get a Thorough Chimney Cleaning

It is crucial that you begin the winter period with a thoroughly cleaned chimney, after you must have had it inspected of course. This reduces the chances of chimney fires due to creosote, which is quite dangerous and highly flammable. It is possible to carry out chimney cleaning and inspection on the same day, making it a lot more convenient for you and you household. Chemicals and or creosote logs alone will not thoroughly clean your chimney so do not rely on them; you could hire professionals to help you with the chimney cleaning process.

You may need to make some changes to you wardrobe as you approach fall and winter; however, it doesn’t end there. You will also have to ensure your furnace is in perfect working condition, clean out gutter even before the leaves start falling and of course, clean out your chimney after inspection. This way, you are sure to have rest of mind in your home as you await winter.

Chimney Monkey will make your chimney safe again!

Contact us at 312-687-1325 or e-mail at info@ChimneyMonkey.com for a +FREE QUOTE+

The post How to get your chimney ready for fall & winter appeared first on Chimney Monkey.