‘Tis the season to get warm and cozy next to the fire! But before you do, there are several things you need to do to prepare your chimney for winter. For almost a century, Walter St Clair Roofing has provided roof repairs and replacements throughout the Cincinnati, OH, area. In addition to addressing roofing concerns, these experienced experts also stress the importance of proper chimney care.

Cleaning and prepping your chimney before using your fireplace ensures a safe environment for you and your family. Even if you don’t have a fireplace, it’s important to service your chimney, as it removes potentially deadly byproducts of your home heating system and keeps the airflow moving in your house.

Here are some chimney care tips to help you get your home ready for winter:

• Have Your Chimney Professionally Inspected: It’s advised to have your chimney inspected once a year by a certified chimney inspector. If your chimney is working normally and no changes have been made to your ventilation system, then you should only need a Level 1 inspection.
• Take Notice Of Any Problems: Homeowners should be present during the inspection process to inform the inspector of any quirks or anything out of the ordinary. This could include strange smells or new drafts coming out of your chimney.
• Close Your Chimney’s Damper When Not In Use: It’s costly to heat your home in the winter, and an open damper can let in cold drafts. This makes your home heating system work harder than it should, so make sure it’s closed when not in use.
• Look Out For Leaks & Water Damage: Chimney care also involves a roof that is safe and free of leaks, water damage, or rust. A roof leak could affect your chimney and also compromise the integrity of the house. Make sure your chimney is securely attached to your roof. If not, a trusted roofing contractor will help.

Ready to lower your heating bills and keep your family safe this winter? For more information about chimney care, gutter or roof repair, or historical restoration, call Walter St Clair Roofing in Cincinnati at (513) 641-3265. You can also visit them online and on Facebook.