Spring is Right Around the Corner: Chimney Checklist

Whether hiking Mount Monadnock in Dublin, picking fresh fruit at a Peabody apple orchard, or just enjoying the warmer weather and colorful flowers, spring is right around the corner. However, before you know it, the seasons will change, and the cold and snowy weather will be back in southern New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts. Since chimneys are exposed to wet, humid conditions for most of the year, spring is the best time to perform routine maintenance and repairs.

Winter’s Fury Can Cause “Hidden” Damage

Recent blizzards have turned New England towns into a winter wonderland. While those are ideal conditions for skiing and sledding, they are no match for masonry structures. Even if it looks good on the outside, there could be hidden damage on the inside. Even tiny cracks in the brickwork or chimney crown can allow water to leak into the structure, causing widespread damage to interior walls, the chimney liner, and other components and increasing the risk of fire, exposure to carbon monoxide, and severe structural problems.

Why Spring is the Best Time for Chimney Maintenance in MA/NH

By scheduling your annual chimney inspection in the spring, you avoid the delays of the “fall rush” when chimney sweeps get incredibly busy. Also, if your chimney requires repairs or rebuilding, you have more time to get the work done. The warmer weather is ideal for tuckpointing and waterproofing that require mild temperatures to cure properly. Creosote and other organic matter left over from the previous winter fires will begin to stink as the weather gets humid. Professional chimney sweeping in the spring keeps your home smelling fresh all summer. Book your appointment today!

Your Spring Chimney Checklist:

• Check the brickwork: Look for white, powdery stains (efflorescence), cracked mortar joints, or loose bricks. If the mortar joints are recessed instead of flush with the brick face, it’s time for professional tuckpointing.
• Inspect the chimney cap and crown: The crown is the concrete top of your chimney. Cracks allow water to leak into the internal structure. Ensure your chimney cap is securely in place to keep out rain and “uninvited guests” like birds and squirrels. It also acts like an “umbrella” to help keep the crown dry.
• Shovel ash into a steel container: Never use a vacuum or a paper bag. Even days after the last fire, embers can remain hot and spontaneously combust. Place the steel container outside on a non-combustible surface, away from the house. Do not store ashes in the garage.
• Clear the fireplace and grate: Scrub the grate with a wire brush and wipe down the hearth. This prevents acidic ash from “eating” through the firebrick over the summer.
• Schedule a professional inspection: Our Certified Chimney Sweep® will inspect the entire chimney system, including vents, and attached heating appliances. In addition to fire prevention, inspection and sweeping also improve energy efficiency.

Signs Your Chimney is Overdue for Spring Sweeping

Notice any of the following? Call us for your spring chimney sweeping.

• Your fireplace smells really bad.
• You notice more pest and rodent activity in your home.
• You hear strange noises like scratching, flapping, or chirping in the chimney.
• There are oily stains or crusty buildup on the damper or firebox walls.

Call Sweepnman for Your Chimney Spring Sweeping

Beat the fall rush! Sweepnman is your chimney’s superhero—offering certified inspections, thorough sweepings, and expert repairs throughout the North Shore and Merrimack Valley, including Lynn, Fitchburg, Northampton, MA, and Nashua, Bedford, Exeter, NH. Call today!