Spring Chimney Service Checklist

After the hard winter, your chimney needs to be checked out by a professional. You can handle some of the necessary maintenance tasks, while others require a professional.

Chimney Specialists Inc. of Highland, WI, would like to share a basic spring chimney service checklist you can follow to spot issues and get your system in great shape for the next winter.

Why Take Care of Chimney Work in The Spring?

There are several reasons.

1. The weather is calmer and better for doing outside work.
2. If there are structural or safety issues, you’ll want to get them resolved as quickly as possible.
3. Chimney crews tend to get busier as winter approaches. Scheduling an appointment for your chimney work can sometimes be difficult if you wait until the late summer/fall. 

Chimney Maintenance You Can Do

If your chimney vents a wood fireplace, the firebox will likely need some attention after the long burning season. Here are some suggested tasks.

Clean the Firebox

Remove wood chunks and ashes, then vacuum out dust and particles. You can use a general household cleaner to wipe down the firebox surfaces.

Inspect the Firebox

Now that the firebox is clean, use a flashlight or portable light to look closely for cracks, splits, crumbling mortar, loose firebricks, and anything else that indicates damage. Report issues to your chimney service company.

Clean the Glass Doors

Glass doors usually accumulate a layer of soot and grime during the winter. Basic glass cleaners may be able to make the doors shine again. For heavier sediment, use a vinegar-and-water mixture that cuts through gunk. Ensure that the door seals are secure and that the doors can close completely and open freely.

Take a Look at the Chimney

Start by standing in the yard and making sure the chimney isn’t leaning. Also, look on the ground for brick pieces or chunks that have fallen away from the chimney’s masonry.

If you feel comfortable getting on your roof, there are several things to look for on and around the chimney.

Chimney Cap

Is it tightly fastened? Is its mesh free of debris? Is there rust or warping?

Chimney Crown

If your chimney cap doesn’t cover the concrete chimney crown, look for cracks and deteriorated areas.

Masonry

Are there white stains on the bricks? This indicates water penetration. Do you see cracks in the bricks or crumbling mortar between them?

Flashing

Check for dislodged sections of flashing over the gap between the chimney and the roof. Are there signs of warping and rusting? Is any of the flashing completely missing?

Professional Chimney Service

After your maintenance work, it’s time to bring in a licensed chimney service company for cleaning, inspection, and repairs.

Chimney Sweeping

Chimney sweeping uses specialized tools to remove built-up creosote from the chimney flue. This substance forms when smoke condenses and is highly flammable.

Proper chimney cleaning will also remove any debris that might have entered your chimney. (Note that a secure chimney cap will keep tree debris and small animals out.)

Chimney Inspection

A chimney inspection covers all readily accessible areas of your chimney and fireplace system. This is the best way to spot early signs of damage and malfunction so they can be addressed before you start using your fireplace regularly again.

Chimney Repairs

A good chimney technician can repair any problems found during the inspection. Let the pros handle chimney repairs instead of attempting to do them yourself! 

The Help Your Chimney Needs

Chimney Specialists provides certified chimney sweeping, licensed inspections, and repairs for all types of chimneys and fireplaces. Give us a call this spring so we can help get your chimney into excellent shape. You can also get in touch through our contact form.