Summer is the perfect season to take advantage of the weather and perform essential chimney maintenance. It’s also a convenient time to inspect the structure and have a professional make repairs because most people aren’t thinking about this routine service. The following guide provides tips on what to look for when cleaning your chimney and how problems can affect the fireplace.

Top Chimney Cleaning Practices

1. Hire a Sweep

Chimney sweeps help maintain the safety of the flue and your home by clearing it of creosote, or tar buildup. This substance forms inside the chimney when wood burns. Its accumulation can be hazardous, so have an expert remove it before you light a fire in the hearth this winter. A professional can also detect structural problems, allowing time to fix them before the seasons turn. June, July, and August are slow for chimney maintenance companies, which makes now an ideal time to take care of these needs.

2. Clean the Fireplace

You can perform this task yourself or hire a chimney cleaner. First, ensure any ashes are cold and remove them with a fireplace shovel. Vacuum the remaining soot. Next, put on rubber gloves and scrub the inner fireplace and outer hearth with a sponge, water, and natural cleaner. The job may require more elbow grease if you have a large amount of buildup. Sweep the hearth and wipe down the mantel for a sparkling finish.

3. Check the Chimney Cap

A chimney cap sits on top off the opening on the roof. It prevents precipitation from falling directly through the flue, plus it keeps bugs and animals from nesting inside the chimney walls. This barrier also blocks incidental debris such as leaves from falling inside.

Fireplace Creations, LLC, are the local chimney experts of Buffalo, MN. A cold winter is coming, so contact them for preventative upkeep. They specialize in fireplace design, installation, and maintenance, and their professional team of contractors is qualified to get the job done. Call (763) 682-4262 to learn about competitive pricing options, or visit the website to explore their services.