If you own a house in Chicago or anywhere in the world, it’s quite important to practice proper maintenance throughout the year. By doing this, it becomes easier to avoid costly chimney repairs. Spalling and cracks in a brick chimney are common and can get worse fast if you do not follow preventive measures. Preventive maintenance is more cost-effective and the sooner you will identify these chimney issues, the less costly they are to resolve. Otherwise, you could end up going over budget in order to repair your chimney.
Many homeowners do not realize that chimneys need to be inspected regularly. It is not just recommended for safety reasons but there are numerous problems that can come up which are expensive to repair. Given below are some of the preventive maintenance tips that can help you save a lot of money in the long run.
GET AN ANNUAL CHIMNEY SWEEP
You should hire an expert chimney sweep once in a year. The professionals will be able to visit your place and provide a thorough cleaning of your chimney, as well as they will also be able to check other potential issues with the chimney. They are professionals and they know very well what to look for and can easily notice the problems before they become more problematic. This will also help you know about the health of your fireplace or chimney.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT FIREWOOD
There are several types of wood that are used in a chimney. You can use any seasoned hardwood. But in case the wood has not been dried properly, the moisture can lead to problems, such as accumulation of more ash and sooth that can even result in a clogged chimney. A clogged chimney can increase the risk of fire in the chimney, that can be dangerous. Try to avoid green wood. Consider buying seasoned wood so you can avoid future problems.
DO NOT TRY TO FIX THE CHIMNEY YOURSELF
It’s better you leave the chimney repair job to the experts as the DIY approach can be quite risky, especially in the case if you do not have any knowledge about it. Consider hiring an experienced chimney sweep technician who holds a good reputation in your location. The technicians use high-quality, proven techniques and equipment to get the job done right.
CLEAN OUT THE ASH
You should remove the ash out of the fireplace on a regular basis. When the ash reaches the bottom level of the fireplace it’s a clear indication that you need to clean it out. Removing the ash from the fireplace makes it easier to keep the airflow moving in a right manner.
In the end, these were some of the effective ways that can help you prevent costly chimney repair. If you are looking for brick chimney repair or chimney repair services in Chicago, then hire the best chimney professional today.
