IF YOUR CHIMNEY IS CRYING OUT FOR HELP, CALL US!
TN / 931-967-3595 • AL / 256-285-4895
As winter ends and the temperatures begin rising, the last thing on your mind is cleaning the chimney and fireplace. However, post-winter cleaning is essential, and we’ll explain why.
Removing CreosoteCreosote is a highly flammable, tar-like substance that builds along the flue walls when you use your fireplace. Besides being a fire risk, creosote is corrosive and can damage the flue liner. Post-winter cleaning removes creosote to protect your chimney and gives you one less thing to worry about when winter rolls around again.
Besides creosote, the flue can become obstructed by twigs, leaves, animal nests, and debris. Some of these materials can contribute to poor indoor air quality and contribute to a fire risk should you need to use your fireplace again.
Throughout winter, the chimney may have become a cozy refuge for small animals like chimney swifts, squirrels, and raccoons. These critters build nests in chimneys to keep warm during winter, and their nests pose a fire risk. Moreover, it’s not uncommon for these critters to find their way into your home when you least expect it, and cleaning your chimney is the best way to prevent this.
Neglecting chimney cleaning after winter can result in unpleasant odors stinking up your house. These odors come from various sources, like mold, rotting organic matter, dead animals, creosote, and other debris lodged in the chimney. If you don’t want your house to smell like an ashtray or damp basement, hire a pro to clean it as soon as possible.
Winter weather can be harsh on your chimney, with freezing temperatures, snow, and ice causing cracks and damaged mortar joints. During post-winter cleaning, a certified chimney specialist will inspect the chimney for damage or deterioration, allowing you ample time to fix them before the next season.
Post-winter cleaning is essential to prevent deterioration, odors, and other moisture-related damage if you live in an area with humid summers.
Chimney sweeps are typically slow during spring and summer, making it an ideal time to schedule cleaning. Waiting until the last minute, like most people do, could mean a more difficult time scheduling an appointment. Moreover, because chimney contractors are slow during spring and summer, they typically offer discounts on cleaning, maintenance, and inspections.
Finally, spring and summer present ideal weather conditions for chimney cleaning, repair, and maintenance. If your chimney needs repairs, it’s typically better to do them in warm weather because most masonry repair products require a specific temperature to set correctly. Furthermore, spring and summer provide more daylight, giving you time to get everything done. Lastly, most contractors prefer working in warmer weather because it’s safer.
A–1 Chimney Specialist has proudly served Southern Middle Tennessee and Tennessee Valley for over 19 years. We’re the go-to chimney specialist for inspections, cleaning, maintenance, repairs, custom chimney caps, flashing repair, dryer vent cleaning, and more. Our technicians are certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America, so you can trust their work is accurate and safe.
Call us today to book an appointment in Tennessee at 931–967–3595 or Alabama at 256–285–4985.
