Prepare for Next Winter: Spring Cleaning Checklist for Your New Hampshire Chimney

Spring provides the best opportunity to prepare for winter. This is why spring cleaning is a thing; the temperature is perfect to prepare the home for the colder months ahead. But if there is one thing many households overlook in spring cleaning, it is the chimney. In regions where the winter can be long and extremely cold, such as New Hampshire, the chimney works twice as hard to keep the entire household warm and cozy. 

But as with most things in life, the chimney needs all the help it can get to do its job efficiently and safely. This is where the importance of regular maintenance gets into the picture. How do you ensure your chimney is ready for the next winter? Here’s a checklist.

Schedule An Inspection

Before getting into the nitty gritty, it is crucial to have your chimney and fireplace checked by a professional. While you may think you can inspect on your own, unless you are knowledgeable, trained, and well-equipped for a thorough chimney inspection, it is better to leave this job to the pros. 

Chimney sweeps will give you a thorough and detailed report on your chimney's current state. They know what and where to find issues that can become serious problems in the long run, such as blockages, cracks, deterioration, etc. An annual chimney inspection is a must, and the best time to schedule it is during spring when service companies are less busy than in the fall. 

Chimney Cap Cleaning

The chimney comprises multiple components, each of which plays an important role in its efficiency and safety. The chimney cap is one of the most important components that needs regular checking and cleaning.

The cap keeps animals and debris out. During colder months, however, it can get clogged with debris such as leaves and twigs, and birds often build their nests on it. Thus, ensure your cap is checked and carefully remove debris that may clog and damage it. 

Creosote Buildup Removal

Creosote is the by-product of burning wood. While it's complete to have this tar-like substance build up in your chimney, leaving them after winter can be dangerous as they are highly flammable and can cause chimney fires).

Of course, you can go the DIY route by brushing and scrubbing the walls of your chimney. However, you are better off hiring a professional chimney sweep for heavy buildup. They have the expertise and tools to remove heavy buildup safely. 

Check for Any Blockages

Animals like birds, squirrels, and various critters love the warmth of your chimney, especially during winter. This is why they often make their nests on it. Also, debris like leaves and twigs can build up, causing a blockage in your chimney, which can be dangerous for many reasons.

Fire hazard: The creosote buildup may ignite and lead to chimney fire, which can quickly spread throughout your house and endanger the lives of the people in it.

Carbon monoxide poisoning: Blockage in the chimney prevents proper ventilation. This could lead to the buildup of harmful gases inside your home. Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, but it is highly toxic. Exposure to this gas can lead to dizziness, headaches, nausea, or even death. 

Smoke and structural damage: A blockage in the chimney traps smoke inside the house, damaging ceilings, walls, furniture, etc. Cleaning and repairs can be expensive.

Moreover, blockages in the chimney can cause moisture buildup, leading to the deterioration of the chimney's structure. Over time, superficial cracks can lead to more significant cracks, spalling, weakened mortar, etc., compromising the integrity of your chimney.

Check Chimney Liner

The chimney liner protects the chimney's masonry from burning fuel and other corrosive elements. Over time, the liners can develop cracks and deteriorate. Make sure to check the linter for any signs of damage. If you see any signs of wear, such as cracks and holes, then it is time to have it fixed and replaced as soon as possible. Damages in the liner can cause toxic gases to leak inside your home. 

Inspect the Masonry

The freeze-thaw cycle of winter is harsh for chimney masonry. The freezing and melting of ice can cause water to seep through the bricks and mortars. When the water freezes, it expands, causing the bricks to crack and crumble. Thus, it is essential to examine the exterior of your chimney thoroughly. Damages must be fixed through tuckpointing (replacement of damaged mortar), and sealing will extend your chimney's life. 

Cleaning of the Firebox

Ash and soot will accumulate on the firebox. The professionals' special vacuum, designed to avoid spreading fine particles, can easily remove them. Once cleaned, check the firebox for signs of damage, such as cracks or rust. 

Damper Check

The damper controls the smoke and overall airflow of the chimney and should open and close smoothly. A faulty damper will allow cold air during winter, leading to drafts. Look for signs of damage, such as wear and rust. If it doesn’t function properly, then it should be replaced. 

Check the Flashing

This metal strip seals the gap between the roof and the chimney, keeping water from leaking into your home. Rust, corrosion, or lifting in the flashing can damage both the roof and chimney. 

Waterproof Your Chimney

Water from rain, snow, and ice is a chimney's worst nightmare. You can protect your chimney by waterproofing it. The pros often use water sealant on the chimney's exterior to protect its masonry. It’s a simple process that provides long-term benefits. 

The Takeaway

Ventilation is the key to an efficient and safe chimney. Make sure your chimney vents are working properly. Hiring the pros for the job will make this easy. 

Also, if the professional chimney inspection reveals any issues, it is crucial to address them as soon as possible, especially during spring or summer, when the season is favorable. The last thing you want is to have your chimney checked during the fall rush.