Annual Inspection Image - Pottstown PA - Wells & Sons Chimney ServiceSummer is winding down and fall will be here before we know it! For homeowners with a fireplace, that means more time spent inside cozied up by a warm fire. If you are looking forward to lighting up that first fire, be sure to schedule your annual inspection and cleaning beforehand, to ensure your home and family stay safe.

Clear Out Blockages

If your fireplace has not seen much action throughout the warm months, then you will definitely want to have a professional check it out before you get it going again. Birds, squirrels, and other pesky critters tend to drag in various types of debris for nesting and storage. While it may seem harmless enough, these leaves and twigs can quickly cause damage.

A major way these materials cause damage is by blocking up your chimney. If your unit cannot vent properly, smoke cannot escape and it will back up into your home. This means your family will be exposed to potentially harmful toxins and your belongings will be left smelling smoky for weeks. Back-ups can also trigger chimney fires due to the chimney’s inability to function normally.

Save yourself time, money, and stress by scheduling your annual inspection before lighting up any fires.

Remove Creosote

One of the biggest reasons why chimney fires occur is due to excess creosote. Creosote forms as fires are burned and can come in many shapes, sizes, and forms. Because it is hard to detect and remove, hiring a certified chimney sweep is your best option for ensuring that you get rid of it.

If you are looking to slow down the rate at which creosote forms, there are steps you can take to do so. The first is to ensure you are burning properly seasoned wood. Do this by keeping an eye out for wood that is cracked at the end, darker in color, and lightweight. The drier a piece of wood is, the more cleanly it will burn, meaning less smoke and creosote all around.

Another way to avoid creosote is by ensuring that air can flow through the chimney properly. Staying educated on how smoke and air need to flow in and out of a fireplace will save you a lot of time and hassle when it comes to maintaining good chimney health. Make sure there are no blockages and restrictions and, as always, get the okay from a certified sweep before lighting any fires.

Count On Us

Schedule an inspection with Wells & Sons Chimney Services today before the cold weather strikes! Our experts are trained and certified in countless trades meaning, no matter what type of service you need, our team can provide it for you. Check out our website or give us a call with any questions regarding your chimney care. We look forward to working with you!