Why Springtime Is THE Right Time for Chimney Service
Spring has sprung! You’ll soon be cleaning out those fireplace ashes for the last time. It follows that it’s the best time all year for you to have the chimney and fireplace inspected, cleaned, and make any necessary repairs.
Here are a few reasons why Spring is the best time of year to get this annual service done:
- During the Winter just past, your chimney, fireplace or woodstove likely accumulated creosote buildup and potentially experienced some wear and tear. It’s a good idea to discover and address any problems before they have the opportunity to cause costly damage to your chimney and possibly other areas of your home.
- During the Spring, chimney sweep service companies are often less busy. If you wait to call in the Fall, schedules tend to be jam-packed with everyone wanting to get their chimneys ready in a hurry for the approaching Winter. You’ll find it much easier to get scheduled quickly if you plan your annual check-up when the calendar is less crowded.
- The truth is that all chimneys stink if you put your head in them, but if the chimney is dirty and then it gets damp from summer rains and humidity, it can stink worse. If your chimney is cleaned out before it gets hot and humid, these odors can be minimized.
- If you have house pressure issues that cause a reverse flow of air (bringing outside air into your house through the chimney), the stink that usually hangs out in any chimney can be brought into the house. These are issues that can be identified during one of Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps’ inspections and cleanings.
- Finally, if you take care of checking out your chimney in the Spring, you won’t have to give a second thought when you want to light a fire in your fireplace come the first chill of Fall. You’ll be completely confident that a fire can be safely lit.
One of our C.S.I.A. certified sweeps will be able to thoroughly inspect your chimney for signs that a cleaning or repair is necessary, but you may ask… “Is there anything I can do to identify potential problems myself?” Absolutely!
YOUR Chimney Checklist
If your answer to any of the following questions is “yes”, we encourage you to give us a call to make arrangements to address changes or updates that may be necessary to keep your chimney operating safely and efficiently.
- Has your chimney been swept in the last year? Almost all national chimney and fire safety organizations recommend that a chimney be inspected by a CSIA certified chimney sweep once a year and cleaned whenever needed.
- Did you install new energy efficient doors or windows in your home? Many folks are surprised to find how drastically these changes can affect chimney draft. Our chimney sweeps receive training to identify house pressure issues and offer resolutions.
- Do you have a broken or missing damper? If your chimney still has a damper located just above the firebox, our inspection can sort functional issues. Our technicians can offer repairs or replacement options.
- Is there an unpleasant odor coming from your fireplace? If so, South Carolina summers are notorious for exacerbating these odors. Musty or campfire-like smells are usually a sign that your chimney either needs to be cleaned, is absorbing water, or that your house is having a breathing problem. Our trained technicians can help with all these issues.
- Is your chimney masonry stained or showing signs of disrepair? Loose bricks, black stains on bricks, and crumbling mortar aren’t just cosmetic problems. They’re signs that water is penetrating your chimney. This is a problem that only grows worse with the passing of time. One of our chimney masons will be able to make needed repairs, including brick replacement, tuckpointing, and waterproofing.
- Are you noticing leaks? If you’re seeing leaks—or evidence of leaks—in or around your chimney, we can help! WE FIX LEAKY CHIMNEYS!
- Did you have pesky birds in your chimney last Spring? We can help you sort a chimney cap with an animal guard that will keep them out this year.
- Do you have a “funny feeling”? If you have a feeling that something is just not right with your chimney or heating appliance, give us a call. We are more than happy to take a look at your chimney and advise you about whether or not everything is operating efficiently and safely.
Schedule an appointment with Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps today by using our online appointment form or give us a call (864-682-5422) and speak to one of our pleasant customer service representatives.