Springtime is often not the time that homeowners are thinking about chimneys but this is a good time of year for doing many maintenance tasks. Fireplace and chimney maintenance is essential regardless of whether you have a wood burning fireplace, pellet stove or gas fireplace.  In fact, a spring chimney cleaning and inspection should be scheduled early to catch problems while they are small. 

Eliminate fireplace odors

The smell of a wood fire is lovely while it is burning, but the scent of an uncleaned chimney and fireplace in the humidity of summer is not wonderful at all.   A foul-smell can be a sign that you need chimney repairs.

• Professional chimney sweeps have the equipment and experience to remove ash and creosote without leaving a mess.
• A clean fireplace is an excellent location for your favorite scented candles to burn safely.
• Uncapped chimneys are holes in your roof for the rain to come in and mix with an uncleaned stack to harden residue and create odors.

Repair cracks that can lead to chimney leaks

The Mid-Atlantic spring is a series of freeze/thaw cycles. Water seeps into hairline cracks in your chimney, freezes, and widens those cracks so that more water can get in and freeze again. The recurring freeze/thaw cycle can split boulders. Imagine how much damage water can do to your chimney.  Repairs should be an be scheduled before the summer rains start.  Failure to do so can result in costly repairs.

• The cement crown is designed to shed water away from the chimney. If it is cracked, it will start to crack and cause leaks.
• Crowns can also be rebuilt or replaced.
• Mortar between bricks can be re-pointed, and a few cracked blocks can be replaced without rebuilding.
• Further damage to masonry usually requires that the chimney must be rebuilt. 
• Waterproofing your chimney keeps the freeze/thaw cycle from occurring.
• Common causes of chimney leaks can be addressed, like inadequate flashing.

Keep critters away from your chimney

Did you know that chimney swifts are a federally protected species? They start coming into the area in late March and begin nesting in May.  Early spring is the best time to take steps to prevent them from moving in. If there is a chimney swift nesting in your chimney, you cannot get rid of them.  You must wait until they are done raising their young before removing the highly-flammable nest. Other unwanted visitors can include:

• Raccoons
• Squirrels
• Rats & Mice
• Bats

How do these unwelcome visitors get in? If damage has occurred in your chimney cap or screen, they consider any opening an invitation. Birds and animals in chimneys and flues cause fires and keep carbon monoxide from leaving your home so it’s not something you can ignore even if you don’t mind sharing your space with wildlife.  In most cases, animal problems can be prevented by installing a chimney cap.

• Check for signs of uninvited wildlife.
• Remove the wildlife following safety precautions (most people call an animal control service) and remember that chimney swifts are a protected species.
• Keep them out by installing screens and caps to your chimneys and vents.

Close The Damper

Many times the damper is inadvertently left open after the last fire of the winter is enjoyed. This can be a problem in the spring and summer:

• Open dampers can draw your expensively cooled air out of the room and up the chimney.
• Even with a screen, some unwelcome wildlife can make an appearance. Mice can fit in a hole the diameter of a pencil.
• A violent summer storm can rain sideways resulting in leakage that bypasses your chimney cap and flows past your open damper.

Make Renovations & Remodels Easier

Springtime is a good time to renovate or remodel your fireplace and chimney. As next winter approaches, everybody else will be suddenly scheduling chimney cleanings and fireplace installations.  Chimney companies will take longer to schedule service, and in many cases, the prices are higher.  Now is a good time:

• Think about the past winter. What did you wish you had in the way of fireplaces? Gas instead of wood? Insert or stove? A nicer view of the flames? An easier form of indoor heating? Now is a great time to see what would be involved in making that wish come true.
• Were you happy with your previous chimney cleaning experience? Check out testimonials of potential chimney services that can offer more than a quick swipe at soot.
• Ask for a professional estimate of the options that would work in your home and get a reliable estimate of the cost.
• Schedule your upgrades soon so they can be done in good weather and when it is most convenient for your summer plans.

The difference between a chimney sweep and chimney inspection is slight but crucial. Cleaning removes the deposits that have built up over time. Inspections are professional examinations of the installation, condition, and structure of your chimney.  A professional chimney sweep in Washington DC always includes a basic inspection as part of the chimney cleaning.  Chimney sweeps and inspections are both essential to maintaining the safety of your home.

How Often Should A Chimney Be Inspected?

According to the National Fire Protection Association Standard 211 (NFPA211), all fireplaces, chimneys, and vents should be inspected annually to make sure they are safe to use. That means they have no cracks or leaks, no deposits, and are clear of hazards. If the fireplace, chimney, or vent heavily used, it should be monitored more closely because heavy use is naturally going to create more potential for buildup of soot and creosote.  All fireplaces must be cleaned every year including gas fireplaces.  A cleaning will reveal whether or not a more enhanced inspection is required.

What Happens During Inspections?

Inspections should be done by a chimney sweep professional who is qualified, certified, and familiar with your local codes. They should protect your home with drop cloths in their work area and document what they are doing.  Afterwards, you should have a detailed report and an estimate of any needed repairs.

There are three different levels of chimney inspection

• A Level One Inspection is verification of structural soundness and readiness for the use of the chimney.  Cleaning should always include a level one inspection.  The chimney tech should look for warning signs.
• A Level Two Inspection is commonly part of a real estate transaction.  Most home inspectors do not have the skills or tools to inspect a chimney and fireplace properly.  As a result, the buyer will hire a licensed chimney company to check the chimney.  Level 2 inspections are also done when the homeowner is installing a new home heating appliance or changing the type of fuel.  A level 2 inspection should include everything in Level One plus inspection of accessible areas.  There should be a video scan of the flue system.
• A Level Three Inspection are required when something has been observed to indicate a need to go into concealed areas. The inspector has to go behind the walls surrounding the chimney and flue to check for damage and hazardous conditions. If this level of inspection is recommended, it is dangerous to ignore the advice.

What Happens During Chimney Cleaning?

• A professional chimney sweep will leave your home cleaner and safer than it was before.
• Since cleaning out soot and creosote is a messy job, they will use drop cloths in the work area to protect your home.
• All deposits and debris are removed from the flue system with tools designed for the task.  The whole mess is removed from your home.
• A level one inspection is completed. If minor repairs can be done during the visit and you give permission, there is usually a discount for work done during the visit. Otherwise, an estimate of the repairs that will be needed will be given to you.
• The crew cleans up after themselves, and all that remains is a fireplace or stove in good working order.

Do I Need Both Inspections and Cleanings?

All chimneys should have a chimney sweep including a level one inspection every year.  The sweep will determine if a higher level of inspection is needed.  Following the advice of your chimney repair technician is essential.   Complete any suggested repairs so that you and your family can be safe and warm.  Annual chimney sweeps help prevent costly repairs.