Spring is Right Around the Corner: Chimney Checklist

I don’t know about you, but after the recent winter storm, I’m looking forward to the warmth of spring that’s right around the corner. While you’re trading weekends on the slopes for walks in the park and getting ready for your spring cleaning, don’t forget about the biggest workhorse atop your house, the chimney. Since Winter Storm “Fern” was a significant event that resulted in a State of Emergency in the Garden State, including your chimney on your spring checklist is vital. 

Certified Chimney Inspection

Heavy snowfall, freezing rain, sleet, and prolonged sub-freezing temperatures can be detrimental to masonry chimneys, significantly accelerating their deterioration. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), all chimneys and flues should have a level 2 inspection after a major event, such as a significant storm. Our licensed and certified sweeps will inspect the exterior and interior chimney. They will also use a specialized camera to check the flue for leaks, cracks, and other “hidden” hazards. The Sweep will also let you know whether cleaning is necessary, according to CSIA guidelines.

Professional Chimney Cleaning

Don’t let the remnants of your winter fires bake in your flue all summer. The accumulation of creosote, soot, dead animals, and decaying leaves can leave a powerful, pungent odor in your home when the humidity rises in July. It also promotes mold growth and attracts rodents. A professional cleaning clears out the mess, ensuring your home smells fresh and your system is ready for the first cold snap of next autumn.

Sweep the Firebox

Once the last fire of the season is out and the coals are cool, it’s time to clean the firebox. Use a stiff-bristle brush with a warm-water and baking-soda paste to carefully scrub masonry walls and remove stains from the brickwork. This combustion residue is corrosive and will eat through brick and mortar. A spiffy firebox gives your home’s centerpiece a beautiful focal point and minimizes repairs.

Dump the Ash

Leaving a pile of ash in your fireplace over the spring is a recipe for trouble. Ash absorbs moisture from the air, creating an acidic compound that can ruin your grate and masonry. Use a metal shovel to scoop out the ash into a metal container with an airtight lid, and store it outside away from combustible materials. There are many ways to recycle ash around the house.

Clean the Fireplace Doors

Winter fires can leave glass doors cloudy with soot and film. Use a specialized hearth glass cleaner to restore the clarity of your doors. If you have brass or metal accents, a quick polish now will prevent “pitting” and keep your living room looking sharp for your spring gatherings.

Make Masonry Repairs

The “freeze-thaw” cycle is a chimney’s worst enemy. When water enters small cracks and freezes, it expands, causing bricks to pop (spall) and mortar to crumble. Spring is the ideal time to address these “tuckpointing” issues while the weather is mild, preventing costly structural damage down the road.

Waterproof the Chimney

After repairs are made, applying a vapor-permeable water repellent protects the brickwork from future water damage. We use a professional-grade water-based formula that allows the masonry to “breathe,” letting trapped water vapor escape while blocking rain, snow, ice, and the sun’s UV rays.

Call Mercer to Schedule Your Spring Cleaning & Inspection

Call Mercer today to schedule your spring chimney cleaning and inspection. Our CSIA-certified sweeps provide expert maintenance and repairs to help you enjoy year-round comfort and peace of mind. We proudly serve Mercer County and surrounding western New Jersey townships, including Hamilton, Robbinsville, Hopewell, and West Windsor. Ask us about upgrading your fireplace with an energy-efficient gas or wood-burning insert.