Chimney Spring Cleaning Checklist

It has been a long, cold winter. Spring is finally here. It is the best time of year. The farms are alive with new births. Buds are coming up all around us. It is a wonderful time of the year to do spring cleaning around the yard. But don’t forget about your fireplace and chimney. Now is the time to close the chimney so it is ready when the burning season comes along again. 

Now is a great time to check on your chimney. Prepare now to make any repairs, if needed, before the fall. Here are a few things that you can do this spring.

• Check for water leaks. Moisture inside the firebox is a clear sign of a leak. Look at the walls and ceiling around your fireplace chimney. If you see water stains, this is a reason to call Chimney Specialists, Inc.

• Chimney damage. Walk around the outside of your home. Check for cracked masonry and loose bricks. These are signs that repairs are needed. You may see these signs due to weathering, moisture, and age. Chipped or cracked bricks and mortar may be signs of serious damage. This can lead to water leakage and/or deterioration. 

• Clean out the ash from the firebox. This is a good time of year to save your spent wood and ash from your fireplace. Wood ash is a great addition to your garden or compost bin. The potassium carbonate in wood ash is a deterrent to pests such as slugs, snails, and some insects as well.

• Cleaning up the Creosote. Take a broom and sweep up the creosote from the floor of the firebox that is loose. Creosote is a black, tarry substance that forms on the walls of your chimney. This substance needs to be cleaned off. A professional chimney sweep will need to be called to get most of this substance off. 

• Check the Chimney Cap. The cap plays an important part in your burning season. Not only does it help keep the heat in your home, but it also keeps small animals and debris out. A well-installed chimney cap will also help prevent water damage. The cap covers the top of your chimney, preventing water from getting in.

All these tasks will help with your spring clean-up but don’t forget to book a chimney sweep and inspection. Heavy cleaning by a professional chimney sweep is the only way you will get the creosote out of your chimney that has built up over time.An inspection by our technicians at Chimney Specialists Inc. will give you a complete overview of what you need to know about the chimney.

This is a great time of the year to book your sweep and inspection. If a problem is found, we can book repairs throughout the summer. By the time the new burning season is upon us, you will be ready to enjoy.

CHIMNEY SPECIALISTS INC. prides itself on offering customers and contractors in the tri-state area of northeast Iowa, northwest Illinois, and southwest Wisconsin, complete installation service, nationally certified technical experts, a huge selection of quality stoves and fireplaces, and of course, competitive pricing.