6 Tips for Preserving the Life of Your Chimney

As winter sets in, you’re likely looking forward to using your Salem fireplace more. After all, there’s nothing like sitting around a cozy fire, roasting marshmallows, telling stories, or sharing romantic, valuable time with friends or family.

However, with a fireplace comes the responsibility of caring for your chimney. That’s how Five Star Chimney Repair can help! We specialize in restoring chimneys. Your chimney is a vital feature of your home, so you want to preserve its usability and lifespan as much as possible.

From regular chimney service to cleaning, here are ways to extend the life of your chimney. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, two-thirds of chimney damage cases were only discovered during routine inspections. This emphasizes the importance of chimney maintenance, even when nothing appears to be wrong.

1. Remove Fireplace Ash

Ash is bound to collect every time you use your fireplace. While a small amount of ash in your chimney or fireplace isn’t a problem, you want to avoid having too much buildup. After all, too much ash may end up producing extra gas or creosote when you use the fireplace.

You don’t want that ash getting kicked back up into your home and making things dirtier or building up too much on your chimney walls.

2. Use Seasoned Firewood

Did you know the type of firewood that you use can affect your chimney? It’s best to use what’s called seasoned firewood, or wood that’s no longer green. When you use this type of seasoned firewood, you have fuel that burns better and safer. The dangerous gas creosote can develop much faster in green wood.

Green wood does not burn as efficiently as seasoned firewood. When creosote gas is allowed to build in your chimney, it can increase the likelihood of a chimney fire. It also reduces the air quality in your home every time you use your fireplace.

3. Rebuild Your Chimney

Your chimney may have been damaged throughout the years. Like any other home feature, a chimney can also become worn out and less efficient. So, if it seems like wood isn’t burning as efficiently as it should, or there’s too much smoke backing up into the home, it may be as a result of a damaged chimney.

Luckily, there are services available to rebuild your chimney. You can have a safer, more efficient, and more beautiful chimney for your Salem, home that you can use for years to come.

4. Schedule Chimney Inspections

Your chimney isn’t just a part of your roof that doesn’t need maintenance. You need to care for it by working with a local chimney service.

A Five Star Chimney Repair chimney service professional should come at least once a year and check for cracks or leaks, according to our team. Professionals will also look for and can repair mortar damage. Your chimney is part of your roof, so it’s also exposed to the elements. Even after your annual inspections, you may need an extra one after inclement weather to ensure no cracks or other issues have set in from high winds or intense storms.

5. Utilize Chimney Flashing

If you’re worried about water, dirt, and other debris entering your chimney, consider having your local chimney service perform chimney flashing. This ensures you will not have any damage or electrical issues occur.

By creating a moisture barrier between your roof and chimney, you can help keep the elements from harming your home. When properly installed, flashing can last over 30 years in our team’s experience.

6. Schedule Regular Chimney Cleaning

Chimney service can include regular cleaning to remove any built-up soot and check for creosote levels.

There may be pests forming nests in your Salem, chimney. A chimney professional knows how to safely remove such animals from your chimney space and get rid of those nests, ensuring they won’t create a blockage.

If your chimney has been an afterthought in your home, now is the time to stop doing so. Remember that every time you use your fireplace, your chimney is also working as it keeps your home safe from smoke or gas exhaust.

With the proper care and scheduling, you can ensure your chimney is safe and functional for fireplace usage for decades to come.

Call Your Nearby Chimney Restoration Experts

Get started by finding chimney professionals to provide the level of care you need. If you’re looking for a reliable chimney company in Salem, or any of the surrounding areas, contact Five Star Chimney Repair at 503-888-0260 or request an estimate for more information today.