Take Care of Your Fireplace During the Cold Season

It is advisable to have maintenance conducted on the chimney for the winter months before winter arrives. If the weather takes a turn for the worse, the stonework may suffer damage as a result of the low temperatures. On top of that, using your fireplace on a more consistent basis could lead to the accumulation of soot, which would make it look less appealing (while working less efficiently).

It is fortunate that you can take care of your fireplace and chimney in order to improve how well they function and extend their lifespan. The following is a list of the five different kinds of maintenance that you need to complete before the winter season begins.

Controlling the Amount of Ash in the Air to Achieve Better Fires
If there is a lot of ash present, it will be more difficult for you to build and maintain a fire. To start a fire and keep it burning, however, the firebox has to have about an inch’s worth of ash in it at all times. This will make it much simpler to do both. If you have an excessive amount, you should get rid of it by putting it into a container that is resistant to fire. If you so want, you may either use it to melt ice or put it in your compost.

Sweep the Fireplace to Get Rid of the Soot
Maintaining your fireplace properly throughout the winter requires regular cleaning. It is recommended that the fireplace be cleaned once every two months to remove any soot buildup. Brick hearths should be scrubbed clean using water, a scrub brush, and a brick cleaner. You should use oxygen bleach if your fireplace is made of concrete.

It’s Important to Keep the Glass Doors Clean If You Want a Smoke-Free Fire
If you do not clean the glass doors of your fireplace on a regular basis, soot will begin to accumulate on the surfaces of the doors over time. It is essential to clear up that soot in order to have access to a firebox that is free of any residue. If the windows are clean, you will have a better opportunity to keep an eye on the blaze. The doors are not difficult to clean at all. Scrubbing the soot off with a newspaper that has been dipped into a mixture of water and ash is one option. You might also try using a razor blade to get rid of the thicker spots of soot.

Before you use your fireplace, be sure it’s been checked for animals.
It is essential to ensure that the chimney is devoid of any nests that may have been built there by rodents, birds, or any other sorts of animals. During the winter, when temperatures dip to freezing or below, you can find yourself longing for the warmth that can be found in the chimney. The following species of animals are frequently discovered in chimneys:

-Squirrels
-Birds
-Raccoons
-Rats
-Mice

It is important to take the time to get your chimney cleaned by a professional on a regular basis to deter animals from making your chimney their home.

Take Care of Chimneys That Are Cracked and Falling Apart
If your chimney is crumbling or fractured, you should prepare for the possibility that the winter weather will make the problem even worse. Your chimney might sustain damage from the frigid temperatures, including significant cracks and even holes. Because the masonry materials are porous, they are able to absorb precipitation of any kind, including rain, sleet, and snow. Damage is caused when the precipitation, whether it be rain, snow, or sleet, freezes and turns into ice, or when it thaws back into water. You need to have the brickwork of your chimney waterproofed with a sealant that allows 100% of the vapor to pass through. The effectiveness of these sealants is typically rated between five and 10 years; after this period of time, the chimney should be resealed.

Additionally crucial is the prevention of water entry. Check to see that the cap on your chimney is in place and that it is not broken. If it is damaged, it has to be fixed or replaced immediately. An examination of the chimney should be scheduled as soon as possible if there are existing cracks or collapsing portions. A chimney sweep professional will be able to provide you additional information about the damage and explain how it may be fixed. Additionally, when it is time to seal the chimney, they will lend a hand in doing so.

During the course of your chimney maintenance this winter, you will need to focus on these five aspects of fireplace care. If you take care of them, you will have an improved fireplace that operates just as it was designed to. If you suspect that your chimney or fireplace is having some issues, have an expert inspect it. Call Local Chimney Sweep Cleaning today. We also offer Chimney Cleaning Gridley and other affordable services.

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