How Do I Prepare My Fireplace for Summer?

No heat may be needed during summers in Dubuque IA but that doesn’t mean your fireplace should be ignored. How do I prepare my fireplace for summer is a great question to ask, and we’ve got the answers for you here. Tips follow for preparing a wood-burning fireplace and a gas fireplace for the summer season.

How to Prepare Your Wood or Gas Fireplace for Summer

The ideal starting place for summer fireplace maintenance is the annual chimney inspection. Yearly inspections are considered crucial by all leading fire safety experts. There are three types of inspections, and Level 2 includes a video view of the chimney flue from top to bottom. Your chimney sweep company can help you determine whether the inspection you need should include the video. Only on rare occasions is there a need for a Level 3 inspection, which includes a partial tear-down of the chimney system to check unseen areas suspected of being damaged. Whether you have a wood-burning fireplace or a gas fireplace, the chimney needs to be checked because of its vulnerability to damage. Masonry chimneys are prone to damage caused by moisture intrusion.

For example, the chimney crown, which is the white part at the top of the chimney, needs to be checked for cracks and other signs of deterioration. If the chimney crown is not repaired or replaced as needed, water from rain and snow can seep down into the chimney system. Any brick that contains moisture is on an irreversible path to collapse. Anytime you see a leaning chimney, you can be sure that moisture entered the system and no repairs were made.

Schedule Needed Repairs

After conducting a chimney inspection, your trusted chimney sweep will let you know of any repairs that are needed. Summer is the best time to make masonry repairs because the materials set well in warm weather. Extra effort and expense are involved with making winter repairs.

Wood-Burning Fireplace Prep for Summer

Schedule Chimney Cleaning

If you have a wood-burning fireplace, your chimney may need to be cleaned by a chimney sweep professional. Wood fires result in deposits of creosote inside the chimney flue. The creosote is highly flammable and increases the risk of dangerous chimney fires. Some fire safety experts suggest that chimney cleaning should be scheduled annually, same as inspections. Others advise chimney cleaning once the creosote deposits are 1/8 inch thick.

Remove the Ashes & Clean the Hearth

Be sure to include your fireplace during spring cleaning. The ashes and remaining residue from burnt logs should be removed. If you have a smoky fireplace, some scrubbing can usually remove the sooty stains. The chimney inspection is especially important for you because a chimney technician can help identify what is causing your fireplace to smoke. The issue can be resolved before winter rolls back around.

Gas Fireplace Prep for Summer

Just as annual chimney inspections are considered crucial, yearly gas fireplace service is also essential. Depending on the type of gas fireplace that you have, you may need to unplug the fireplace. Extinguishing the pilot light is recommended during the summer. Among other benefits, turning off the pilot light in summer helps to keep the glass panel free of a filmy build-up.

The annual inspection, servicing, and, as needed, repair of gas fireplaces maintain safety and efficiency while ensuring continued convenience. Various components tend to malfunction over time, and an expert can handle any issues that need attention. You can look forward to winter with confidence, knowing that your heating unit is safe and ready to use.

Contact Dubuque Fireplace & Patio for Summer Fireplace Prep & More

Contact the NFI-certified chimney sweeps at Dubuque Fireplace & Patio for chimney inspections, chimney cleaning, chimney repairs, masonry work, and more. We can also help you choose a new heating unit for your home and provide professional fireplace and wood stove installation. We make it easy and worry-free for you to prepare your fireplace for summer.

Book an appointment with Dubuque Fireplace & Patio today by calling 563-582-5156 or send us a message using our online contact form.