Spring Chimney Service: What You Need to Know
After a long New York winter, all chimneys need some attention. Some of them need more than attention – they need servicing and repair to restore safe operation and get them ready for the next cold season.
If you live in the Rochester, NY, or Buffalo, NY, areas, Felgemacher can handle chimney service and repair.
Make a Spring Chimney Check list
As winter progresses, various “odd” things can happen with a chimney. If you’ve noticed any oddities, jot them down so you can share them with your chimney inspector. Examples:
- Strange noises in the chimney
- Horrible odors are coming out of the fireplace
- Trouble getting fires started and keeping them going
- Sputtering sounds in a gas fireplace
- Chunks of charred material falling from the chimney into the firebox
- Smoke backups that became more frequent during the winter
Professional chimney service
Here’s what your chimney company will do during spring service.
Chimney inspection
Most licensed chimney companies offer chimney inspections that should be performed once a year and whenever your chimney or fireplace is operating dangerously. Spring is a good time for a chimney inspection for three reasons:
- Chimney crews tend to be less busy in the spring (and very busy in the fall).
- The weather is conducive to outside work.
- If problems needing extensive repair work are found, you’ll have plenty of time to get the work completed before the next burning season.
What happens during a chimney inspection?
The basic chimney safety inspection covers all readily accessible areas of the chimney and fireplace system:
- Chimney cap/chimney chase cover
- Chimney crown
- Chimney liner (inspected with a camera)
- Masonry/chimney chase
- Chimney flashing
- Fireplace damper
- Firebox
Inspections can also investigate drafting problems, chimney odors, and other unique issues.
Chimney sweeping
If you run a wood fireplace, it should be swept (cleaned) once a year. Professional chimney sweeps (the techs who do the work) use a variety of commercial-grade tools, solvents, and vacuums to remove flammable creosote, which builds up when smoke condenses in the flue. Most reported chimney fires in New York State and the rest of the U.S. are caused by ignited creosote.
Chimney sweeping also removes leaves, twigs, animal nests, and anything else that could cause a drafting obstruction.
Spring service for your chimney
Felgemacher is ready to help with your spring chimney service. We offer licensed chimney inspections, certified chimney sweeping, and expert repairs system-wide.
Reach us by phone or through our contact form.
