How Summer Affects Your Chimney

You may think as the summer months approach there should be no concerns with your chimney. This may be the furthest from the truth. As the summer heat rises the last thing a homeowner wants to think about is their chimney. But yearly maintenance on your chimney by a professional may save you money in the future. Here are some things to look out for.

Summertime Chimney Issues

Structural Damage Take a walk around your house. Observe the bricks and the masonry of your chimney. If you see any cracks, you will want to get those looked at. Water can seep in through small cracks causing damage as it freezes and expands.

• Odors: Summer odors in your fireplace can come from creosote buildup or animal droppings. You can correct these common occurrences with yearly cleanings.You can also spot clean with vinegar around your fireplace.
• Creosote: A dangerous substance that comes from burning wood. Creosote builds up in your fireplace and chimney. If not cleaned out on a regular basis, this can create an unsafe environment for your family. It may also be the cause of chimney fires.
• Climate: Wind and rain from summer storms can cause damage to your chimney cap or flashing. If damaged, this can allow water to seep into the chimney causing damage to the structure of the chimney.
• Animals: Creatures will find their way into chimneys. You will need to remove them before your winter fires. Animals will find a way in if your cap is not structurally secure.
• Efficiency: A/C or heating escaping up the chimney. If your damper is not secure, heat and cool air can escape.