Keeping your chimney clean and in working order is an important part of owning a home. No matter what kind of heat you use—gas, oil or wood—if you have a chimney, you need to know the proper steps for chimney maintenance.
Schedule a Regular Visit From a Chimney Sweep
It is important to have your chimney inspected by a professional on a regular basis, especially if you live in an area that gets cold in the winter. To avoid the dangers of a chimney fire or carbon monoxide build-up in your home, make an appointment for chimney cleaning in Washington DC once a year. Before the sweep arrives, there are some things you can check yourself.
Take a Look at the Chimney
You won’t need a ladder for this, just a few minutes to check out the chimney from the ground. A chimney in good working order should be straight with no bends or leans to it. The cap should be attached firmly to the top. This is to prevent birds or animals from nesting inside and obstructing the airflow. The bricks and mortar should be in could condition and the flashing around the chimney should lie flat against the roof with no gaps or discoloration. After having a look at the chimney, check to see if there are any trees nearby with branches that could catch fire. If there are, you should trim them back or hire someone else to do it.
Check From the Inside
If you have a wood-burning fireplace or wood stove connected to the chimney, it is a good idea to take a look at the chimney from inside the house, too. Check to see that the damper is working properly and that there are no visible cracks in the liner of bricks.
Paying attention to your chimney is important, especially if you have a fireplace or wood stove in your home. Making an appointment for a yearly cleaning by a professional should be part of your scheduled yearly maintenance.