Summer Chimney Maintenance Tips

Warmer weather seasons like spring and summer and perfect times to make sure your chimney is in right working order. If your fireplace needs any maintenance, now is the time to do it! Take advantage of this time to get any work needed to be done on your chimney or fireplace.

Make sure your fireplace and chimney system is good to go with these chimney maintenance tips.

1. Check Your Chimney Cap

Each chimney should have a proper fitting chimney cap. A chimney cap keeps any hot ember or debris from flying out and landing on your (or a neighbors'!) rooftops. Additionally, a chimney cap keeps out any small critters or birds from wiggling their way into your chimney and your home.

A proper chimney cap will fit snuggly and be lined with a mesh to keep embers and other particles in and debris or animals out.

2. Close the Damper (On Your Wood Burning Fireplace)

If you have a wood-burning fireplace, it's like you have a damper as well. The damper seals off airflow out of your chimney. This is particularly important if your home runs air conditioning. Closing the damper ensures your home is energy efficient by not allowing that cold air to escape out the chimney.

However, it's important to note that if you have a gas burning fireplace, experts recommend leaving your damper open in the event of a gas leak to protect against potential hazards.

3. Clean Out the Ashes

If your home has a wood-burning fireplace, it's common to have messy ashes build up. This is simply the result of burning logs and real wood in your home fireplace.

Clean out any ashes in your fireplace with a new set of tools and accessories offered at Forden's. Keep your fireplace clean and ready for cooler nights to return!

4. Have Your Chimney Sealed (or Resealed)

A proper seal on the exterior of your chimney prevents leaks, protects against moisture, and corrosion. If you have a stone or brick chimney, a proper external seal is particularly important to protect your home.

One of the qualified technicians at Forden's will be able to help you make sure your chimney seal is up to standards and your home is protected and ready for continual fireplace use.

5. Schedule Your Chimney Sweep or Maintenance with Forden's

It's always a good idea to stay on top of your fireplace and chimney maintenance. Our knowledgeable and experienced technicians at Forden's are well versed in the best care and operation of chimney systems.

Call Forden's today at (805) 543-1090 to schedule your chimney sweep or maintenance to keep your system is in perfect shape. We have locations in San Luis Obispo and Templeton and can drive to you anywhere on the Central Coast for inspection, maintenance, or install of a new system.