Fireplaces are a desirable home feature. They offer an affordable heating solution and add aesthetic value and ambiance to a living space. If this is your first cold season with an indoor fireplace, you may be looking forward to cozying up on a fall evening. However, before doing so, it’s important to properly prepare it. This is especially easy to do when you enlist a contractor to help take care of any fireplace improvements you might need. Here are a few tips on ensuring it’s safe for use.

How to Get Your Fireplace Ready for the Colder Months

1. Hire a Chimney Sweep

According to the Chimney Institute of America and the National Fire Protection Association, fireplaces should be inspected and cleaned at least once a year. It’s best to have this done before you start the first fire of the season.

Over time, creosote deposits accumulate in a wood-burning fireplace and become dangerous fuel for a fire. A chimney sweep will have the appropriate tools to thoroughly remove soot and debris buildup, reducing your fire risk.

2. Look for Signs of Damage

Aside from cleaning, a chimney sweep should also examine the interior and exterior of your fireplace for damage. They’ll look for cracks, missing mortar, loose bricks, and deterioration in the chimney liner. If there’s any indication the chimney isn’t securely attached to the house, a contractor can provide the necessary repairs to restore its structural integrity.

3. Check the Chimney Cap

Chimney caps are designed with wire mesh sides that help to keep wildlife, rain, and debris from entering your home. They also prevent embers from moving up through the chimney and landing on the roof. Thus, it’s essential to make sure your cap is in place and in good condition. If it’s missing, damaged, or full of tree limbs and bird nests, a new one should be installed.

4. Trim Back Trees

Look for any tree branches that are overhanging your roof, particularly near the chimney. Should these break off and fall during a storm, they can damage the chimney cap, restrict proper airflow from the chimney, and present a fire hazard. As such, they should be pruned to keep the area around your chimney clear.

For help getting your fireplace in top condition ahead of the colder months, turn to Piedmont Home Contractors Inc. Based in Greensboro, NC, this family-owned and -operated company offers homeowners across the state a variety of remodeling, repair, and remediation solutions. These skilled contractors deliver unparalleled workmanship no matter what job you hire them for. Call (336) 545-8812 to request a free estimate or visit them online for more information on how they’ll assist with a successful home investment.