A well-cared-for chimney adds to the curb appeal of your home and prevents potential dangers.
At GMT Home Services, we know how important chimney care is to your home’s safety and efficiency. Your chimney needs to be maintained regularly to be safe and efficient. Being exposed to the elements all the time can cause issues, one of the most common being cracked or damaged liners. The liner protects your chimney from heat and fire, and when it’s damaged, serious damage or even house fires can occur. That’s why regular chimney liner care is key. Our chimney care services are designed to keep your chimney in top shape so you can have peace of mind and comfort during the cold months.
Chimney care is regular inspections and cleanings to keep your chimney debris-free and hazard-free. Chimney cleaning should be done at least once a year to prevent fire hazards and safe operation. It’s also important to have your chimney inspected regularly to find and fix issues like creosote buildup or blockages from animals and debris. Regular inspections are key, especially for new chimneys, which have warranties that range from 10 to 20 years, depending on the manufacturer. Regular check-ups will ensure your chimney is safe and working properly, especially if you have gas appliances.
To keep your fireplace in good shape:
Clean Ashes Regularly: For wood fireplaces, remove excess ashes, leaving a layer to help relight new fires. Store ashes in a metal container away from your house to prevent fires.
Inspect Your Chimney System: Check the firebox, grate, and other components for missing mortar or damage. Check the outside for crumbling bricks, vegetation, gaps, or missing bricks.
Open the Damper: Always open the damper all the way before lighting a fire to prevent smoke from getting into your house and to make the fire light easy.
Use Seasoned Wood: Gather and store firewood for at least 6 months to dry. To minimize creosote buildup, don’t burn pressure-treated, painted wood, trash, or debris.
Try the Top-Down Burn: Place large logs at the bottom, then smaller logs in a cross pattern, then crushed newspaper and kindling. Light the newspaper for a cleaner, hotter burn.
The most important part of chimney maintenance is having your system inspected at least once a year. If you just installed a new stainless steel liner system, it may have a 10-20-year warranty from the manufacturer. At Full Service, many of our stainless steel liner systems have a lifetime warranty, but an annual inspection by a certified chimney sweep is required to make warranty claims.
Your fireplace and chimney flue should be swept and inspected at least once a year, whether you use gas or a wood-burning fireplace. A visual inspection of the chimney exterior is also important, especially for chimneys that are in good condition. This applies to any gas appliance with a flue pipe, as regular maintenance is key to safety and performance. Other systems like gas furnaces, water heaters and wood stoves also need to be cleaned annually. Also:
Smoke Chamber Maintenance: Inspect and clean the smoke chamber regularly to prevent creosote buildup and chimney fires.
Annual Inspections: Schedule a yearly inspection with a professional to ensure your chimney and fireplace are operating safely and efficiently.
Here are some signs your chimney needs a professional inspection and cleaning:
Poor Fire Performance: If your fire won’t start or stay lit, your flue may be clogged, limiting oxygen flow.
Animal Entry: Noises or nests in the flue indicate animal entry, which can block airflow and be a fire hazard.
Odors: A campfire smell near your fireplace means creosote buildup is dangerous.
Oil Spots: Oil spots on your walls are a clear sign of creosote and shouldn’t be ignored.
Recognizing these signs can prevent chimney fires, less smoke, and carbon monoxide exposure.
GMT Home Services is dedicated to your chimney. A well-maintained chimney cap allows smoke to escape while keeping rain, snow, debris, and animals out. Our technicians use the latest technology to inspect and maintain your chimney with care and precision. We offer free consultations to walk you through the process and keep your chimney in top shape. Contact us today for trustworthy full chimney repair service.
Completes a thorough and safe cleaning and inspection.
Finds problems before they become big problems.
Gives you peace of mind and chimney safety.
It can prevent chimney fires and costly repairs.
At GMT Home Services, we fix common chimney issues:
Creosote Buildup and Chimney Fires: Regular cleaning is key to preventing highly flammable creosote from building up, which can catch fire and cause damage.
Damaged or Missing Chimney Caps: Protect your chimney from water damage and debris with a replacement cap.
Cracked or Broken Chimney Liners: Cracks in the brick liner can mean gas leaks, and repairs are time-sensitive.
Animal Nests or Debris: Blocked chimneys are a serious hazard. We make sure your flue is clear and safe.
Regular repair and maintenance can prevent these issues.
Chimney safety is important for every homeowner:
The National Fire Protection Association recommends annual chimney inspections for fire safety alone.
The Chimney Safety Institute of America certifies professional chimney sweeps for a professional cleaning service.
Local codes may require additional services for chimney inspections and maintenance, so stay informed.
At GMT Home Services, we help you build up and comply with those codes and keep your chimney safe.
Chimney stacks need maintenance to prevent mortar erosion, which can cause smokiness, dampness, and fire hazards. Mortar joints are most vulnerable at the top, wind-facing sides, or near the roof. Signs of weed growth mean the mortar has perished. Use lime-based mortar for repointing and repairs. Remove any redundant aerials to prevent masonry corrosion.
Make sure chimney pots are seated properly, as instability can come from deteriorating mortar (flaunching) or poorly fixed spark arrestors. Use lime-based mortar for launching, and consider lead capping. Check cowls and covers and clean spark arrestors regularly to reduce chimney fire risk.
Keep mortar fillets and lead flashings dry. Repoint cracked mortar fillets and consider concealed lead soakers for extra moisture protection. Repair or replace damaged lead flashings and clear lead back gutters to prevent leaks.
Old chimneys have lime mortar parking, which can crumble over time. Parging may be repairable; if not, a modern flue lining may be required. Disused flues can be capped to keep out birds and moisture. For cracked hearths, just lay a new stone over the old one.
Sweep the flue to remove soot and prevent fires. Use rods or brushes to clean chimneys and scrape off tar as needed. Older chimneys need the hidden cavities cleaned out. Sweep every three months for wood-burning stoves, two times a year for coal fires, and once a year for smokeless fuel and oil-fired appliances. Always follow manufacturer guidelines for gas fires.
With years of professional experience and a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, we consistently uphold our legacy of excellence in every job we complete.
Ensure the safety and efficiency of your fireplace by scheduling your relative chimney service with GMT Home Services today we are committed to providing top-notch various chimney services to ensure your home is safe and your fireplace is running efficiently.
Our experienced technicians offer a comprehensive range of chimney services tailored to your specific needs. From thorough cleaning and inspections to repairs and maintenance, we’re committed to keeping your home safe and your fireplace functioning optimally.
Experience the benefits of a cleaner, healthier home by scheduling your required chimney service with us today.
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