Fireplace Maintenance Tips to Prevent Costly Repairs

You love your fireplace. Now that we are in the heart of winter you are enjoying every moment of the glow of your fire. But you will want to make sure you are taking care of it as well. Fireplace maintenance is important to avoid costly repairs. An annual inspection from a professional Chimney Sweep is important. This inspection can prevent costly repairs in the future.

Common Chimney Maintenance

There is some maintenance Felgemacher Masonry & Chimney of Buffalo and Rochester can take care of. Let’s talk about what you can have done to help with the longevity of your fireplace.

Annual Inspection – Don’t forget to book your annual inspection. This is the most important maintenance suggestion. With an inspection, you will get a professional report as to what might need fixing.

Chimney Sweep – A chimney sweep will clean out any creosote that has built up over the fire burning months. Any debris, twigs, nests, or leaves will be cleaned out at this time as well.

Don’t Procrastinate on Chimney Repair

Fix Mortar – Over time the mortar between the bricks of your fireplace becomes loose. The mortar cracks and falls out on the outside. Have Felgemacher take a look at this. They can replace the mortar which is called tuckpointing or repointing. It is a good idea to watch for any cracking around the bricks.

Firebox Mortar Repair – Don’t forget the inside of your firebox. A professional can help with that as well. With constant use and high heat, the mortar will crack and form gaps. Felgemacher will be able to repair this for you as well.

Flashing Repair – The flashing is a metal that is installed around the area where the chimney meets the roof. Sometimes the flashing becomes dislodged. This may happen due to weather. Rain and snow plummeting the area can damage the flashing. Birds and squirrels can ruin the flashing by rummaging around near your chimney and roof. Inspect your flashing often. Water seeping into a flashing that is not intact can cause further damage.

Another Important Tip

Practice Proper Wood For Burning! Be careful as to the wood you purchase for your fireplace. Hardwoods such as maple, birch, and oak burn hotter and cleaner. Softwoods tend to burn faster. Creosote builds up faster when soft wood is burned. This may cause you to have to clean your chimney more often.

Connect with the Professionals

Call your local Felgemacher Masonry & Chimney in and around Buffalo at 716-907-4914, in the Rochester area at 585-308-4914.

When chimney repair is needed, our trained chimney repair professionals are ready to tackle any job. Felgemacher Masonry & Chimney serves Buffalo NY, Rochester NY, Webster NY, Amherst NY, West Seneca NY, Lancaster NY, Grand Island NY, Lewiston NY, and all other local communities. Your insurance could cover the damage!

We’ve been helping folks in the Buffalo/Rochester regions keep their chimneys safe and strong since 1953. Our technicians have the in-depth knowledge and hands-on skills to perform any chimney repair job safely and correctly.