It’s Not To Late For a Chimney Inspection & Cleaning

Chimney cleaning companies often talk about the right time to schedule a yearly cleaning and inspection. Typically, the suggestion we recommend is to have your chimney looked at in the early fall. This proactive step will help you to get ahead of any unforeseen issues before you go to use your fireplace for the first time. However, for some families, this is simply not a viable option, whether due to schedules or other home repairs. So today we want to talk about why a chimney cleaning and inspection for the new year should be one of your top priorities.

First, why the new year?

Practically speaking, there are many homes in our area with fireplaces. Many of them choose to schedule inspections in early fall; far fewer book them for January. This means if you’re eager to start using your fireplace, and are due for an inspection, now is the time! Our inspection schedules are far more open than just a few months ago, meaning we can get to your home much quicker than during the busy chimney season.

Reason for cleaning and inspection #1: Smoke & Carbon Monoxide

Your home is your safe haven. The last thing you want to deal with is smoke and dangerous gasses leaking back into your home from a plugged chimney flue. As carbon monoxide is both odorless and colorless, it’s almost impossible to detect until it’s too late.

Beyond that, smoke drifting back into your home is not a welcome smell. It can also leave black soot along your walls and ceilings — something that belongs in your chimney, not your home.

Reason for cleaning and inspection #2: Chimney Fires

Of course, fires are meant to be burned in your fireplace, not your chimney. When you schedule a new year’s inspection with Dubuque Fireplace & Patio, one of our technicians will remove any creosote, one of the leading causes of chimney fires. They will also clear out any debris such as leaves or animal nests from your flue.

Reason for cleaning and inspection #3: Missing or Damaged Components

An annual cleaning and inspection is a proactive step. It will catch missing and damaged chimney components before they become a problem. Those include such items as missing chimney caps and a rusted or malfunctioning damper.

Reason for cleaning and inspection #4: Moisture and Structural Decay

Moisture damage can be catastrophic for a chimney’s physical structure. An annual cleaning will identify potential issues while they can be repaired easily. The freeze and thaw cycle in our area causes the moisture inside the porous walls of the chimney to expand and contract. This process eventually leads to crumbling chimney mortar and cracked masonry.

Proactive maintenance prevents unexpected repair bills

Home repair costs add up quickly, easily outpacing the cost of an annual inspection. If you’re one of the homeowners still waiting on an inspection this year, let us know. Our team will be glad to get you onto our calendar ASAP. Call Dubuque Fireplace & Patio at 563-582-5156 or send us a message.