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As winter lingers around the corner, it’s time to get your chimney ready to accommodate many cozy nights spent in front of the fireplace. Before sparking the first fire of the season, it’s important to make sure your chimney is in good working condition. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, over 20,000 chimney fires occur annually, which is largely due to improper maintenance. This means you can help prevent hazardous fires and the need to file a home insurance claim by properly prepping your chimney for the colder months ahead. Here are a few tips for keeping your family and home safe and warm all season long.

How to Prepare Your Chimney for the Winter

1. Have Your Chimney Inspected for Damages 

The first step to taking care of your chimney to schedule a thorough inspection by a CSIA-certified professional. They will examine both the interior and exterior to look for any signs of damage that must be repaired before your fireplace is safe to use. This should include checking the chimney structure and lining for loose bricks, missing mortar, cracks, and other indications of deterioration. Having your chimney inspected once a year will allow you to stay on top of small issues before they become major problems that require you to submit a home insurance claim. 

2. Schedule a Chimney Sweeping 

home insuranceAlong with your inspection, schedule a professional chimney sweeping annually. This is the most effective way to remove creosote buildup from the inside of your chimney. Creosote is a dangerous compound that naturally forms with burning wood. It’s highly flammable and the most frequent cause of chimney fires. Cleaning out creosote deposits will significantly reduce your chances of having to make a home insurance claim due to fire damage. 

3. Install a Chimney Cap 

If your existing chimney cap is old and damaged or you don’t have one at all, you should strongly consider installing one before the winter season arrives. A good chimney cap will keep birds, rodents, debris, and water from getting into your chimney and causing damages that make it dangerous to light a fire in your fireplace. The wire mesh on a chimney cap can also help to stop hot embers from escaping and causing a roof fire. 

 

 

In addition to preparing your chimney for winter, now is the ideal time to make sure you have the right amount of home insurance in the event a fire does break out. The professionals at Rio Grande Insurance will carefully review your current policy and fill in any gaps you might have in coverage. For over three decades, they have been entrusted to provide the residents of Rio Arriba County, NM, with quality products from some of the nation’s top insurance carriers. Call (505) 753-2151 to set up an appointment, or visit them online for more information on how they can help protect your home.

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