Essential Tips For Fireplace & Chimney Maintenance In Hamilton Heights, NY

1) Check For Any Masonry Damages

Loose mortar joints or masonry cracks are two things you should look for. Examine the firebox’s backing, base, and walls for spalling bricks and deteriorated mortar. Repair any brick or mortar damage as soon as possible.

2) Do A Damper Test

Your damper should be simple to open and close. A stuck or difficult to open and close damper could indicate rust or moisture. This could mean other problems that should be investigated by experts immediately.

You may be able to visually inspect the damper if you can see issues while opening and closing, depending on the type of damper you have.

When the damper is closed, can you feel or hear any air? This is an indication that the seal is malfunctioning. It’s possible that the damper is warped or debris prevents it from closing correctly.

3) Chimney Inspection

Chimneys are subjected to harsh treatment inside out, so annual chimney inspection in New York County is critical. This is the essential and primary part of chimney maintenance.

The flu is exposed to high temperatures and acidic creosote deposits on the interior surface. If you don’t have a chimney cap, your flue will deteriorate faster because the combination of moisture and creosote can easily cause damage.

Extreme weather conditions erode the mortar and bricks on the exterior surface. The sooner the moisture damage is identified, the better because the delays in getting needed repairs can be very costly.

When you hire a chimney sweep professional near me in New York County to inspect your chimney fireplace, you can rest assured that experts will uncover any unknown issues.

If you get an inspection in the spring or summer, you’ll have more time to repair any damage before the winter weather arrives.

4) Chimney Cleaning

Although an annual chimney inspection in Hamilton Heights, NY is required, all fire safety organizations have different opinions about when one should do chimney cleaning and fireplace sweeping.

When 1/8″ or more of creosote has built up in the lining, the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends cleaning the chimney.

Keep in mind that as soon as you start lighting fires again in the winter. When the weather is hot in Hamilton Heights, NY, it will also help you avoid odors from the chimney.

5) Hire A CSIA-Certified Professional For Major Repairs

Chimney maintenance and repairs aren’t all Do-It-Yourself projects. All homeowners can do is test their dampers and inspect their masonry. Some homeowners can even patch a crack in the chimney crown or coat the bricks with a water repellent.

However, keep in mind that:

• Roof work is hazardous;
• Improper repairs could endanger your home and family
• Specialized equipment is required

CSIA-certified professionals in Hamilton Heights, NY, know what to look for when spotting current or potential issues.

Keep your fireplace chimney in good working order by knowing what to look for, performing minor repairs yourself if you want, and leaving significant repairs to CSIA-certified chimney maintenance professionals in Hamilton Heights, NY.