As the winter season approaches, your fireplace will assume a prominent role in keeping your home warm. Before you light a big fire, you need to make sure that your fireplace and chimney are safe and prepared. It is vital to follow a couple of easy steps to prepare your chimney for winter and avoid the need for chimney repairs.

5 Simple Steps for Winterizing Your Chimney

1. Remove Any Creosote Build-up

Creosote is a tar-like substance that can ignite with a single spark, making it very dangerous. It forms when the temperature of your chimney is lower than that of your fireplace, causing cooling ash to stick to the interior walls. If you plan on using it, contact a professional chimney repairs service to remove any creosote from the interior. Apart from eliminating a fire-hazard, cleaning it will also improve your chimney efficiency.

2. Inspect Your Chimney Cap

Improper chimney caps will provide refuge to insects or critters trying to find a place to keep themselves warm. It can also allow broken branches and debris to make their way inside your chimney. To prevent costly chimney repairs, inspect if your cap is stable and has protective screening that will keep any pest out. Trim any branches close to your roof to protect the exterior.

3. Use Seasoned Wood

If you plan on using any wood in the fireplace, know that unseasoned varieties contain moisture that can be released and form creosote inside your chimney. Instead, use seasoned wood that is dried for up to six months. You can see little cracks forming on the outer edges, confirming that the piece is moisture-free. This type will burn more efficiently and will not release any steam.

4. Regularly Clean Ash Build-up 

After your fire cools, clean the remaining ash to avoid any reignition. Dispose of it and keep an eye out for any build-up. Try to clean your fireplace at least once a week or when your ash levels reach up to an inch of height. 

5. Close the Damper

A damper is a valve responsible for airflow regulation inside your chimney. Inspect it to see if it’s working correctly, and make sure it doesn’t prevent the air from flowing when closed. Also, when you’re not using your fireplace, keep the damper closed. This will prevent hot air from leaving your home this way, keeping your house warm longer.

If you want to make sure that your chimney is in mint condition before winter arrives, call the roofing specialists at Dan Williams Roofing in Lorain, OH, for help. A family-owned, licensed, and insured company will handle any chimney repairs and cleaning and also specialize in commercial and residential roofing, gutter installation, and siding. Their prime focus is on keeping your home safe and warm for winter. Check their website for more information, or call (440) 282-6006 today to schedule an appointment.