Now that the snow has finally melted and spring has arrived, it's time to start thinking about closing your fireplace for the season. Proper service and maintenance will help preserve the integrity of your chimney system. Our CCP-certified chimney experts recommend the following tips to help you safely close your fireplace for the season:
1. Schedule a cleaning and inspection.
A professional inspection and cleaning provide peace of mind that your fireplace and chimney are safe to use when the weather gets cold again. Your technician will clean soot and creosote that have accumulated from fireplace use and look for any chimney damage, such as cracks or other structural issues, that could pose a safety hazard.
2. Address any necessary repairs.
If our team identifies any structural issues or masonry problems during the inspection, be sure to schedule repairs before closing your fireplace for the season. A delay in repair work can lead to more significant and costly problems down the road.
3. Remove leftover debris from the fireplace.
Remove ashes, logs, or other materials that may have been left behind from the last time you used the fireplace. Be sure the debris is cool and use a metal shovel and bucket to dispose of the debris safely and properly.
4. Close the damper.
During the off-season, keep your damper closed to prevent humid air from entering your home and to keep air-conditioned air from escaping up the chimney. An open damper will not only make your air conditioning work harder, increasing your energy bills, but the humid outside air can produce a foul odor when mixed with creosote deposits in your chimney and fireplace.
5. Install a chimney cap.
A chimney cap sits on top of your chimney and helps prevent debris, animals, and rain from entering your chimney. Installing a chimney cap is an effective method to protect your chimney from damage and safety hazards.
6. Cover your fireplace opening.
Once you've completed all of the steps above, we recommend covering the fireplace opening to prevent drafts and debris from entering your home. You can use a fireplace screen or cover to block off the opening. Be sure to secure the cover tightly so that it doesn't come loose during the off-season.
7. Store unused firewood properly.
If you have firewood that you won't be using until next winter, store it away from your home in a dry space and off the ground. This will help prevent it from absorbing moisture, which can cause it to rot and become unusable.
Chimney Cleaning, Inspections, Repair, and Maintenance in NH and MA
By following these tips and working with our experienced team, you can ensure that your fireplace is ready to use when the weather turns colder again. Contact us today to schedule a cleaning and inspection or to learn more about our services.
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