Five tips for keeping your chimney in good condition
Your chimney is a versatile part of your home that can really enhance the atmosphere but it needs to be kept in good condition to do so. With a little bit of care and diligence you can prolong the life of your chimney and prevent future repairs. Read on for our five top tips for keeping your chimney in good condition.
1. Get the chimney swept regularly
One of the most important things you can do to keep your chimney in good condition is to get it swept regularly. The primary purpose of getting your chimney swept is to remove any dangerous buildup of creosote. Creosote is a substance that is created by burning wood and can be very flammable. The National Association of Chimney Sweeps (nacs.org.uk) recommends that your chimney should be swept depending on the fuels you burn, below you can see their recommendations.
- Smokeless fuel: At least once a year
- Wood: Quarterly when in use
- Bituminous coal: Quarterly when in use
- Oil: Once a year
- Gas: Once a year
2. Repair any damage you notice
You should be regularly inspecting your chimney for any signs of damage. If you notice any cracks or crumbling brickwork it’s important to take action as soon as possible. Repairs may be necessary to restore the structure and stability of the chimney. If the issue is not addressed promptly it could become very costly to fix and made worse by repeated freeze and thaw cycles, so be sure to take action when needed.
3. Protect Your Chimney From Moisture
Moisture is not good for your chimney and can cause deterioration of the internal structure. To protect your chimney from moisture you should install a cowl or if you chimney is no longer in use a cap. This will stop any water from entering the chimney and causing damage.
4. Avoid overloading the fireplace
It’s important to practice good safety when having a fire in your fireplace. Overloading the fireplace can be dangerous and can also cause a build up of creosote in the chimney. There should never be more than three logs in the fireplace at any one time.
5. Check for pests and nests
Pests can make their way into your chimney and build nests there which can be a hazard. If you have noticed any strange noises coming from your chimney it’s likely that an animal may have made its way inside. If this is the case, you will need to take steps to get it out and prevent a future invasion. Fitting a chimney cowl or cap can prevent intrusion from unwanted visitors!
Following these five tips will keep your chimney in good condition and will give you peace of mind when lighting a fire in the fireplace. Remember to get your chimney swept regularly, repair any damage quickly and be sure to protect it from moisture. Avoid overloading the fireplace with too many logs and always check for signs of animal invasion. With a little bit of care and attention you can keep your chimney in top condition for many years to come.
If you need help with the maintenance of your chimney, fill out our enquiry form and we will get right back to you.