5 Myths about fireplaces and 5 chimney maintenance tips
Over the years of helping homeowners with their fireplaces, we have noticed that there are a few common misunderstandings about getting your fireplace and chimney ready for the winter. In this blog, we will dispel some of these myths and give you some tips on how you can prepare for the upcoming cold season.
MYTH #1
You don't need to have your chimney cleaned until after you've used it for the season.
While it is true that a lot of the build-up in your chimney will occur after you start using your fireplace for the season, there are still a good amount of ashes and debris that can accumulate over the summer months. These can include leaves, twigs, bird nests, and other small animals that may have made their way into your chimney. It is important to have your chimney cleaned before you start using it for the season in order to prevent any of these build-ups from happening.
All-Pro Tip:
Schedule your chimney cleaning and inspection for early fall, before you plan on using your fireplace. This will give you plenty of time to get any necessary repairs done and will help you avoid the rush of people trying to get their fireplaces ready for winter.
MYTH #2
Chimney sweeps are only needed when there is a problem with the fireplace.
A lot of people think that they only need to call a chimney sweep when there is something wrong with their fireplace. However, this is not the case! Chimney sweeps are trained professionals who can help you with a variety of fireplace and chimney-related issues. They can clean your chimney, inspect it for any potential problems, and make recommendations on how to keep your fireplace running efficiently.
All-Pro Tip:
Get your chimney swept at least once a year, even if you don’t think there is anything wrong with it. This will help to prevent any potential problems from developing and will also give you peace of mind knowing that your fireplace is in good working order.
Just because you’re not using your fireplace doesn’t mean that you can neglect it entirely! There are still a few things that you need to do in order to keep your fireplace in good working order. For example, you should still have your chimney cleaned on a regular basis and you should also make sure that the area around your fireplace is clear of any combustible materials.
All-Pro Tip:
Schedule a chimney cleaning in the early summer months, before the weather gets too hot. This will help to remove any build-up that has occurred over the winter and will also give you a chance to inspect your fireplace for any potential problems.
MYTH #4
Chimney cleaning is a great idea for your next DIY project.
While it is true that chimney cleaning can be a fairly easy DIY project, it is still important to leave this task to the professionals. Chimney sweeps have the experience and the equipment necessary to get your fireplace and chimney clean and safe for use. They also have the knowledge to spot any potential problems that you might not be able to see.
All-Pro Tip:
Hire a professional chimney services company like ours to clean your fireplace and chimney. This will ensure that the job is done right and will also give you peace of mind knowing that your fireplace is in good hands.
MYTH #5
It is ok to burn whatever you want in your fireplace.
This is one of the most common myths about fireplaces and it can lead to some serious problems. Only certain types of wood should be burned in a fireplace and you should never burn garbage, plastics, or other materials that can release harmful toxins into the air.
All-Pro Tip:
Stick to burning seasoned hardwoods in your fireplace. These woods will burn cleaner and produce less smoke. If you must burn softwoods, make sure that they are well seasoned and dry.
If you want to learn everything you need to know about firewood, we have the perfect article for you right here.
It is important to be aware of the myths and tips surrounding fireplaces so that you can keep your fireplace in good working order. Ignorance can lead to problems down the line, so it is best to be informed about these things before you start using your fireplace this fall. Our team at All pro-Chimney and Home Improvement is here to help with all of your chimney needs – from cleaning and inspection to repairs and recommendations. Give us a call today!