Chimney & Fireplace Checklist for the End of Summer

Summer’s about over, and pretty soon you’ll be firing up your fireplace and chimney again. But before you start firing, there are a few things you should do to make sure your system is clean, safe and ready to roll for another winter season.

Doodlebuggers Fireplace, Grill & Outdoor Store of Pensacola, FL, and Destin, FL, would like to give you an end-of-summer checklist for your chimney and fireplace that’s easy to use and follow.

Start With A Clean Fireplace

Even if you cleaned your fireplace at the end of last season, it may have become dusty over the summer months. Sweep it out and vacuum it, and wipe down the firebox walls with a mild cleaner.

Schedule a Chimney Inspection

A licensed chimney inspection will uncover early – and more-advanced – signs of damage and malfunction in the chimney system. Your inspector will take a close look at all readily accessible areas of your chimney and fireplace and alert you to work that needs to be done in preparation for use.

If there are issues that need repair, it’s a smart move to get on them right away to avoid scheduling issues with chimney repair crews that are typically very busy moving into the fall.

Store Your Fuel

If your fireplace runs on wood, store a sufficient amount of dry, seasoned firewood. If it runs on propane, make sure the tank is full.

Get Needed Work Done

Chimney repair and maintenance work that’s often needed at this time of year includes:

Chimney sweeping: This service removes flammable creosote and debris from your chimney flue. Chimney sweeping should be scheduled once a year. A proper cleaning will not only reduce the chance of a chimney fire from ignited creosote, but it will also keep the flue clean, allowing it to draft efficiently while cutting down on the naturally occurring chimney odors that could move into your home.

Masonry repair: Have cracked bricks replaced and crumbling mortar joints refilled to restore stability to your chimney structure.
Chimney cap repair: Damaged chimney caps and flue covers will allow water to move in and damage the chimney liner, interior masonry and other parts of the system.

Chimney crown repair or rebuilding: Concrete chimney crowns can crack and let in water. Have yours sealed, repaired or rebuilt.

Chimney flashing repair or replacement: Flashing seals the space between the roof and chimney. It needs to be secure and strong.

Firebox repair: If your firebricks or refractory fireplace panels are damaged or decayed, they should be replaced or repaired to prevent the escape of flames, smoke and toxic combustion gases.

Waterproof The Chimney

A sealant can be applied to the chimney masonry and chimney crown to repel rain and prevent water damage.

The above and other chimney repair and maintenance services should be done before you begin using your fireplace and chimney regularly.

Get Your Chimney In Great Shape For Fall And Winter

By following this checklist and the suggestions your chimney technician gives you, you’ll have a fireplace and chimney system that’s ready to serve you safely and efficiently throughout the fall and winter.

Doodlebuggers is ready to help with your end-of-summer chimney maintenance in the greater Pensacola, FL, and Destin, FL, areas. Give us a call to learn more, or reach out with our handy contact form.