Why it is Considered a Great Idea to Clean your Fireplace During The Summer?
Summer is a great time to enjoy the warm weather, but it is also an ideal time to schedule a chimney inspection. Many homeowners only think about their chimneys during the winter months when they are using their fireplace or wood stove. However, a summer chimney inspection is just as important as it is in winter. In this blog, we will discuss why you need a summer chimney cleaning and inspection and how it can benefit you.
Reasons why summer chimney Inspection and Cleaning are necessary
Chimney inspection and chimney cleaning in summer, both are very important. Let us have a look at the reason.
- Preventative Maintenance
A summer chimney inspection can identify any potential issues with your chimney before they become major problems. The inspector can detect any damage, such as cracks, leaks, or deterioration of the chimney’s mortar for brickwork. Addressing these issues early on can prevent more significant problems from occurring later and save you money on costly repairs.
- Avoiding Chimney Fires
Creosote is a highly flammable substance that can accumulate in your chimney’s flue during the winter months when you use your fireplace or wood stove. A summer chimney inspection can identify any creosote buildup and remove it before it becomes a fire hazard. Removing creosote buildup will also improve the efficiency of your fireplace or wood stove, allowing it to burn cleaner and use less fuel.
- Maintaining Chimney Health
Your chimney is constantly exposed to the elements, which can cause wear and tear over time. A summer chimney inspection can ensure that your chimney is in good condition, allowing it to function correctly when you need it the most. It can also prevent further damage from occurring, such as water damage or animal intrusion, which can be costly to repair.
- Saving Money
A summer chimney inspection can save you money in the long run. By identifying any potential issues early on, you can clean and repair them before they offer more significant problems that require costly repairs. Chimney cleaning in summer will make it a more efficient chimney that will burn cleaner and use less fuel, which can save you money on heating costs during the winter months.
- Preventing bad smell
Not all of your home’s best-smelling features are chimneys. The accumulation of debris will produce a smokey scent. This odour may creep into your house, upsetting members of your family and visitors. Particularly if the fireplace is located anywhere near your dining area or kitchen, it is particularly unpleasant. The odour will only worsen over time and will be exacerbated by heat. Fortunately, you can remove the grime and restore your home’s fresh scent by cleaning properly.
As the winter season ends and summer approaches, many homeowners tend to forget about their fireplaces. It is important to clean your fireplace before using it in the summer because it ensures that there are no leftover ashes or debris from the previous winter season. If left uncleaned, these remnants can pose a fire hazard and cause a potential health risk due to the accumulation of harmful creosote.
How often should you clean your fireplace?
It is recommended to clean your fireplace at least once a year, preferably at the end of the winter season. However, if you use your fireplace frequently, it may be necessary to clean it more often to prevent the buildup of creosote and other harmful substances.
What materials do you need to clean your fireplace?
To clean your fireplace, you will need a few basic materials, including a fireplace shovel, a metal bucket, a stiff-bristled brush, a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, and protective gear such as gloves and a face mask.
How to clean the fireplace before using it in the summer?
If you want just simple cleaning, you can follow these steps to clean your fireplace before using it in the summer. But there is much more to the professional cleaning and inspection. Have a look at the simple steps.
- Start by removing all the remaining ashes and debris from the fireplace using a fireplace shovel. Make sure to dispose of them in a metal bucket and store them outside in a safe place.
- Next, use a stiff-bristled brush to sweep the interior walls of the fireplace to remove any remaining debris and soot.
- Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to clean the fireplace thoroughly, including the smoke shelf, damper, and chimney flue. This will remove any remaining dust and debris that may have settled in these areas.
- Clean the exterior of the fireplace by wiping it down with a damp cloth or sponge. For stubborn stains, use a non-abrasive cleaner.
If you notice any cracks, missing bricks, or other damages, it is recommended to call a professional chimney sweeper to inspect and repair your fireplace. For the proper functioning of the chimney, you should always take professional services.
Maintenance keeps your investment grow!
A well-maintained fireplace can be a selling point if you are going to shift to a new place. The value of your house can increase with a well-maintained fireplace because people will not prefer buying your house if your chimney’s are potentially dangerous or broken. Thus proper maintenance of the chimney can save you costs in the long run and can even provide you with safety.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a summer chimney inspection and also cleaning are just as important as it is in winter. It can prevent potential issues from becoming more significant problems, avoid chimney fires, maintain your chimney’s health, and save you money in the long run. So, don’t wait until the winter months to schedule your chimney inspection. Contact a professional chimney inspector today to schedule your summer inspection and go with cleaning also. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your chimney is in good condition.
A Step in Time Chimney Sweeps provides the best summer inspections for your chimneys with well-trained and experienced persons. The summer inspection will include proper checking of all the parts of your fireplace to ensure it’s better functioning and to provide directions to you for better usage. Inspections with us can increase the life of your chimneys. We assure your complete satisfaction with our services and provide our services at reasonable rates.
