Spring is Right Around the Corner: Chimney Checklist

We’ve almost made it. Winter is slowly leaving us, and spring is just ahead. As we put away the shovels and scrapers, we think more of gardening, long days to enjoy, and a lot of chores to clean up after this long winter.

The spring brings a time of new growth and yard cleanup, but we can’t forget the task of caring for the house. Repairs are needed to prevent further water, wind, or snow damage. The chimney needs your attention as well.

Now is the time to consider booking your annual chimney sweep and inspection. Take a look around and observe any damage to your chimney. Do you see a white chalky substance on the bricks? This may be a sign that water has been absorbed into the bricks. It is called efflorescence. Do you see mortar that may be chipping, cracking, or missing? These are things that we need to discuss with your technician.

What Are You To Expect With Appointments?

• Preparation:
  • Our technician will lay drop cloths or tarps around the fireplace opening.
  • Seal the fireplace opening to keep dust from entering the room.

• Chimney Inspection -Our technician will be looking for
  • Creosote buildup. A thick, black tar-like residue that is produced from burning wood.
  • Blockages from nests, debris, and leaves.
  • Cracks or damage in the flue liner
  • Condition of the damper and firebox.

• Chimney Sweep – special brushes are used to clean the entire chimney. They will also remove with these rotating brushes and chimney rods:
  • Creosote
  • Soot
  • Debris
  • Possible bird and small animal nests.
  • They may also clean the smoker chamber, the damper, and some loose ash or soot from the firebox.

How To Prepare For an Inspection and Cleaning?

Before your appointment, take some time to prepare. Here are some tips.

• Have a clear spot in your driveway so the truck can park comfortably with easy access to your house.
• Remove any decor from around the fireplace.
• Move any furniture and tables away from the fireplace opening.
• Drape furniture with sheets or tarps.

In Conclusion.

After the cleaning, the technician will show you what came out of the chimney, let you know of the level of creosote buildup, and any repairs that might be needed.

You may be given suggestions that are common after a cleaning and inspection, such as:

-Chimney cap installation.
-Waterproofing.
-Flue liner repair.
-Crown sealing.

Professional chimney experts suggest annual chimney sweeps and inspections to keep your fireplace safe and efficient. Call Advanced Chimney Sweeps, Inc today.

Advance Chimney Sweeps, Inc. was founded by Michael Schock in 1996, and over the last 20+ years, the company has grown to be one of the largest multi-truck operations in the state.

We are one of the few chimney companies in Southwestern PA with a CSIA-certified lead technician on every truck, and every one of our employees is highly trained before they enter your home. You can count on us to be thorough, reliable, professional, considerate, and clean – that’s one thing that hasn’t changed since the company was founded decades ago.