Winter Upgrades For Your Chimney

The snow and cold weather is just around the corner for homeowners in upstate New York. What does this mean for homeowners? It means prep is necessary in order to be comfortable throughout the cold months. Chimneys are one of the components of your home that needs some extra attention. You may even be interested in some upgrades to better situate yourself throughout the storms.

First Step: Schedule a Chimney Inspection & Cleaning

Whenever there’s discussion around any chimney issues or need for improvement, the first step is scheduling your annual chimney inspection and cleaning. The inspection will allow chimney professionals to get their eyes on the ins and outs of all of your chimney. They will be able to pinpoint any repair needs or upgrade suggestions. At the same time, they’ll deep clean your chimney to make sure it’s free of creosote buildup. Creosote leads to strong smells, an elevated house fire risk, and potentially dirtier fires. 

Potential Chimney Improvements

After the chimney inspection and cleaning, your chimney professionals may offer or suggest a few improvements to situate you for a good winter season. Some may be simple or best practice approaches, but others may be significant improvements. Take a look below at some of the common ones:

• Close your damper – It may seem simple, but it’s an easy thing to overthink. If you leave your damper open, it can allow cold air to get in. If it’s closed and there is still a draft, you may need to seal your damper. Your technicians can look into top mountain damper for better seals too.
• Consider insulation – If you’re experiencing a draft, there may be a need for general insulation throughout your house or around your chimney.
• Check for cracks – If your chimney professional senses there may be cracks during the inspection, they may suggest filling those in. This can be spot fixes such as filling the cracks with epoxy, or it can require mortar replacement to avoid future structural issues.
• Check your chimney cap – A typical chimney cap is made with mesh sides and a solid metal top. This type of cap can help to stop snow, rain, and animals from getting into your chimney.

If you’re questioning any of the above improvement areas, it’s probably time to call your chimney professional to get the process started before the winter picks up. This is especially true if you feel like the repair may be significant, such as replacing mortar to ensure a better seal for the elements. 

Ready to Prep for Winter? Call Felgemacher Fireplace Today!

Felgemacher Fireplace is a third-generation fireplace company dedicated to providing the best quality service to Rochester, NY, Buffalo, NY, and surrounding residents. We have over 60 years of experience in chimney repairs, cleaning, rebuilding, maintenance, and fireplace installation. If you’re looking to improve your set up for the winter, the time to act is now. If you’re in or around Buffalo, call 716-907-4914; if you’re in or around Rochester, call 585-308-4914.