Fall is coming! Is your chimney ready? We’ve got some great upgrade and update options for the upcoming cooler months. Already know what you want? No problem – reach out to our techs today, and we can get you where you need to be.
First Things First… Have You Booked Your Inspection?
Before cold weather hits, investing in your annual inspection is a must. And this especially is true if you’re looking to update. Inspections ensure the following:
Protection Against Water Intrusion: Water can cause costly damage to the exterior and interior of your chimney by rusting metal components, weakening mortar, and causing cracking and crumbling to occur. By having your fireplace inspected for potential areas of water entry, and by investing in some preventative maintenance, you can eliminate the chances of moisture deteriorating your chimney.- Air Quality Is Enhanced: Air quality is another factor to consider before entering your burning season. A fireplace can pour significant amounts of smoke and other harmful fumes into your living space if your home isn’t well-ventilated. Inspecting the fireplace and making sure it’s clean and in good working order can help reduce the chance of dangerous fumes entering your space.
- Bigger Damages Are Avoided: Cracks in your chimney, a faulty damper, or other damaged components can allow smoke and other pollutants to seep into your home, and could eventually lead to damages that would trigger a collapse of settlement. And the longer damages are ignored, the worse – and more expensive – they are to repair. You can avoid a lot of time, hassle, and expense by making sure your fireplace is regularly inspected and maintained.
- Energy Savings: Ensuring that your home remains properly functional and efficient is important for keeping energy bills in check – especially as the weather gets colder and you need the extra heat. One way to make sure your home is getting more heat (without breaking your bank account) is by making sure your fireplace and chimney are in good order with a professional inspection.
Ways To Update Your Fireplace Before Fall
Once your inspection is complete, it’s onto the good stuff – updates and upgrades! If you’re thinking about making changes to your fireplace before the fall season begins, here are a few options to consider:
✓ Invest in a New Appliance
Technology evolves quickly and newer appliances on the market can make your fireplace more efficient. If you have an older model, research some new options to find an appliance upgrade that will fit your home and needs. Interested in switching fuel types? There are effective ways to do this too, like adding an insert. Gas inserts can be easily placed into your existing wood fireplace, leaving you with improved efficiency and a system that’s much lower maintenance.
Or maybe your system is simply outdated or not meeting your current style and design preferences. Whatever you’re needing, consult with a professional to see make sure your new appliance is up to code and well-suited for your space.
✓ Upgrade Chimney Components
Your fireplace is only as good as its chimney – and your chimney is only as good as the components that make it up. Upgrading certain parts could be all you need to get your fireplace running more efficiently and to prevent any dangerous accidents.
Upgrading certain parts could be all you need to get your fireplace running more efficiently and to prevent any dangerous accidents.
One of the most important components to remember is the chimney cap. This piece protects your home from sparks, debris, animals, and – probably most importantly – water. If you don’t have one, get a high-quality and reliable one installed before you start using your fireplace this fall.
We also might recommend switching to a top-sealing damper, investing in some new flashing, or having a custom chase cover fitted.
✓ Add Makeup Air Solutions
Makeup air is important for any wood-burning fireplace, especially if your have a newer home that’s well insulated. If your home experiences back-drafting and poor airflow, we recommend having it inspected and, if necessary, incorporating makeup air solutions before you start using your fireplace this fall.
Opening a window, priming your flue, and adjusting your fireplace’s damper are all great ways to ensure that your fireplace is getting enough makeup air. Additionally, we recommend using Plusaire®, which is a ventilation device that can help improve the air quality in your home and make sure that your fireplace is getting the makeup air it needs.
✓ Invest in Repairs
Your fireplace or chimney may require some repairs before you can use it this fall. If you have a wood-burning fireplace, you’ll want to make sure the flue is clear and that the chimney isn’t damaged. If your fireplace is gas, you’ll want to check for any leaks in the gas line. You should also have your fireplace inspected by a professional every year to ensure it’s suitable and ready to use.
Repairs are crucial for making sure your fireplace can perform properly and without hazards.
Repairs are crucial for making sure your fireplace can perform properly and without hazards. Although they can be additional expenses, getting them done earlier all will always be more cost-effective than putting them off. For example, paying for an affordable chimney cap is must better than exposing your chimney to water, then having to pay for a full relining job down the line.
Our sweeps can check for cracks in the fireplace and have them repaired before using the fireplace again. We’ll also inspect the area around the fireplace, looking for any gaps that might need to be filled to prevent heat loss.
If there are any areas where mortar is missing, you’ll want to have that replaced as well with professional tuckpointing services. It’s best to consult with a professional about this so they can properly assess the situation and make the proper and necessary repairs.
We’d Be Happy to Help You Out
Performing any fireplace updates before fall is a great way to make your home warmer, cozier, and more efficient for the cooler months. Consult with our professionals to find the best option for your home. Reach out today!
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