Do you love having a cozy fire going for your Thanksgiving meal? Does the thought of opening gifts on Christmas morning by crackling flames seem idyllic? There’s no doubt that a fireplace makes these cold winter months feel much cozier, and many families feel that a comfortable hearth really helps to bring loved ones together on particularly chilly evenings.
That being said, ensuring your system is in good shape and ready for use is a must before getting any fires going! Whether you have a wood-burning unit, a gas appliance, a pellet-fueled heat source, or something else, annual inspections are always a must, and the CSIA urges all homeowners to invest in this regular maintenance before the start of every burning season.
Learn more about why this is so important by reading below, then rely on our team of experts to help you with it all. We’d love to set you up right!
Noting Any Damages
A major reason why yearly overviews are necessary is due to the potential for damage. Your masonry structure may seem strong, sturdy, and unbreakable, but it actually doesn’t take much for it to start breaking down, especially when left unprotected. The more gaps, cracks, and holes that form, the less efficient your fireplace will run, and you will be more prone to experience gas leaks and house fires, as well.
The earlier we spot any damages, the easier and less costly they will be to fix, so be sure to invest in the care you deserve right away. The sooner you reach out to our team, the better!
Another major issue is water-related deterioration. If your bricks aren’t appropriately waterproofed, they will absorb moisture and break down significantly. This goes for your mortar, too! Along with this, water throughout your structure causes all kinds of problems in the form of rot, rust, mold accumulation, decay, and more. All in all, the sooner you get our crew on the job, the fewer issues you’ll face, so get in touch now to get your appointment on the books.
Checking For Clogs & Obstructions
The draft and airflow of your chimney play a major role in how well it operates. Clogs and obstructions will send smoke and other fumes back into your living space, and they can cause carbon monoxide to pour into your home, as well. All in all, having any leaves, twigs, dirt, and other debris removed before starting any fires can play an important role in keeping your family safer and more comfortable all winter long.
Another thing that is known to clog your chimney is curious critters looking for a warm, well-protected spot to build nests and raise their babies. Needless to say, once you start getting some fires going, this spot is less than ideal for both you and the animals, so getting them out and keeping them out is the best option all around. That’s why we urge anyone without a chimney cap to have one installed right away. They’ll make all the difference when it comes to keeping your system cleared out and ready for use!
Removing Dangerous Creosote
Creosote is a substance that forms along your chimney’s inner walls as you light fires, and it is known for being highly flammable. This may not seem like such a big deal since your fireplace hosts countless fires already, but your chimney liner and masonry aren’t actually built to withstand direct, intense heat of this nature. Because of this, it is vital to have creosote regularly removed, and our team of experts can ensure you’re not in the danger zone when we look things over.
Now, creosote comes in a few different forms and must be handled different based upon the texture it takes. Most types can be removed with basic techniques and tools, but level three creosote (or glazed creosote) must be approached a bit differently. In fact, trying to tackle this substance incorrectly can lead to damages throughout your structure, and it simply won’t work to effectively remove it.
Fortunately, our team has the tools to get the job done right, no matter what we find ourselves face to face with. Trust in our CSIA certified technicians from start to finish for the high-quality results you deserve.
Always Rely On Dave Bancroft & His Professional Crew
Our mission is to keep you informed, educated, and up-to-date on it all, so you know what threats to look for in your chimney system. The more you know, the better protected your home and family will stay, and that’s our top priority through it all! Chimney fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, house fires, smoke inhalation, and more are all real and serious threats that fireplace owners could face if their system isn’t adequately cared for, and we’re here to ensure you don’t have to worry about experiencing any of that.
Ready to get started? So are we! Our qualified crew is here to help you out every step of the way, and we would love to perform your inspection and sweeping as soon as possible. We want our customers throughout North Reading and its surrounding cities to stress less throughout the upcoming holiday season! Call today, and we can get your appointment on the books!
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