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How to Keep Your Chimney in Great Working Order

2/11/2019

7 Comments

 
How to Keep Your Chimney in Great Working Order in Lexington, Kentucky (KY) like Regular Cleanings
​While you cannot easily see into your chimney, it is essential for it to be checked. Before you begin using your fireplace, it should be inspected. One of the most costly mistakes homeowners make is assuming that their chimney is in the proper working order. However, the belief that everything is fine can be quite dangerous. From 2010 to 2012, there was an average of 22,700 chimney fires per year. To prevent a hazardous situation, here are some tips for how to keep your chimney in great working order.
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Annual Inspections

​Chimneys need to be inspected annually. The inspections should typically take place prior to winter, as this is primarily when people start using their fireplaces. A professional inspector will be able to tell if the chimney is in need of sweeping or repairs. Cleaning should occur when there is at least a 1/8-inch buildup of deposit within the chimney. Sweeps should be done on an as needed basis. Sometimes, it can be necessary for the chimney to be cleaned more than once a year.

Regular Cleaning

While it is possible to clean your chimney yourself, it is best to leave it to the professionals. Professional cleanings have multiple benefits. In addition to sweeping the fireplace, they check multiple areas of the structure including the chimney exterior, liners, the firebox, as well as the smoke chamber and flue. They also examine the appliance for proper clearances.

​A professional knows exactly what they are doing and knows when something is wrong. They can provide instructions on proper operation of the fireplace, or recommendations for replacement equipment. A cleaner will also be able to tell when the equipment or structure is in need of repairs. Relying on the help of professionals is one tip on how to keep your chimney in great working order in Lexington, KY.

Safe Operation

When operating your fireplace, there are a few things you can do to maintain its condition. Firewood should be gathered a year in advance as this provides adequate time to properly season it. This causes less flammable material to accumulate in the chimney. You should also try to burn fires that are able to consume the fuel. When poor quality or wet fuel is burned, it produces slow fires and increases the amount of creosote buildup on the flue.

Another tip is never burn wood that has been painted or pressure-treated. You could also consider switching to a top-down method of burning, as it is cleaner, hotter, and create less smoke. Large logs should be placed at the bottom, then a row of smaller logs, followed by newspaper, and finally a layer of one inch kindling. When starting a fire, you simply lit the newspaper. These are just a few recommendations on how to keep your chimney in great working order in Lexington, KY

Authentic Stone Creations is the premier choice for masonry construction and repairs in Lexington, KY. For each project, we provide work meticulously by paying careful attention to every detail in the process. We strive to not just complete projects, but to exceed your expectations. We offer numerous residential and commercial services including fireplaces, walkways, patios, chimneys, mailboxes, and much more. We are located in Lexington, KY to provide our masonry services to the surrounding. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
7 Comments
Angela Waterford link
8/2/2019 09:13:56 am

It's true that my chimney needs to be checked since there are signs that it may need to be repaired. I think I'll hire a commercial chimney repair service to do an inspection on it and fix it if it's possible. Since we're going to use the fireplace before winter starts, I'll have them tune it up in case there is anything that needs to be fixed.

Reply
Jenna Hunter link
9/12/2019 04:23:46 pm

My mom owns an older house that still has a chimney that is attached to a wooden fireplace. She uses it a lot but doesn't often clean it, so getting a professional to help her could be really nice. I liked what you said about how a professional will help her know how she should manage it to that it can last longer.

Reply
Bob link
9/30/2019 06:05:59 pm

I love your fireplace tips. My fireplace is dirty. I'll have to have it cleaned.

Reply
Fay link
2/27/2020 08:42:19 am

Wow, I never knew that you should gather firewood about a year before you use it, and I think this is very interesting. My best friend has a chimney and she told me that she has noticed a strange smell coming from it recently. I told her that she should consider having a professional come into her home and take a look and make an expert inspection.

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rachel frampton link
4/28/2020 03:29:48 pm

My chimney consists of too much dirt and the cracks are already in the flue, that's why I've been planning to hire a chimney sweep service. I agree with you that cleaning the chimney must be left under the hands of the professionals so they'll also be able to check other areas fo the structure. Also, I'm glad you shared this; I never knew that firewood must be gathered a year in advance.

Reply
Kristofer Van Wagner link
8/26/2021 09:10:36 pm

I do agree that it is important for us to choose a trusted service. My dad mentioned that he is looking to have his chimney cleaned. I will definitely look into hiring a professional service to have it sorted.

Reply
Charlotte Fleet link
5/24/2022 02:30:17 pm

Thanks for mentioning how chimney sweeps should be done as often as needed. My chimney hasn't been swept in a while. I will need to hire professionals to sweep it soon.

Reply



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