Chimney Cleaning in the Summer

6/26/2018 (Permalink)

During the summer, most of us aren’t thinking about the cool nights of Fall. We are too busy splashing around in the pool or at the beach and enjoying the sun. But planning ahead is always helpful; summer will be over before you know it, and you can relax just knowing that you are ready!

The warm glow of a fireplace is one of the pleasures of cooler weather. Sitting in front of a fire in your Nashville home on a crisp day is a wonderful way to relax and enjoy time with family, and it’s even better when knowing that your chimney has been cleaned and serviced. The safety of your home and loved ones is high on your list of priorities, so making sure your chimney is in good shape going into Fall and Winter will give you peace of mind. A chimney that has not been properly cared for allows fumes and dangerous toxins to escape into the home when you light that fire, and regular cleaning prevents these issues.

All chimneys should be completely cleaned at least once a year. Homeowners should also inspect this area several times a year to help identify any potential problems. Use a flashlight and take a good look at the floor of the fireplace itself, where ashes accumulate, and note any issues with the brick. These bricks are more heat tolerant than ordinary brick used in other parts of the home, so these will need to be kept in good repair. If even one brick is out of place it can affect the entire fireplace and could possibly mean that it will be non-functional until repairs can be made.

Checking the chimney itself for obstructions due to bird nests or small rodents is also necessary as well as checking for creosote build-up. If this build-up becomes too thick, one spark can cause a chimney fire. The National Fire Prevention Association says that 30 percent of all home fires are caused by fires in the chimney itself. Make sure your home is not part of that statistic by regular inspection and maintenance.

Here at SERVPRO of Belle Meade/ West Nashville, we are experts in cleanups both large and small and can help in the event of fire and water damage. Call us today at (615) 242-9391, or visit our website: SERVPRO of Belle Meade/ West Nashville