There is nothing better than gathering around a warm fire during cold winter nights. But did you ever think about your chimney? Here in this article, we will discuss how to increase your chimney’s lifespan.
Chimneys may not be the centerpiece of your home, but they are a crucial part of your fireplace. They are durable, and with proper care, they can last for a long time.
These tips will help you increase your chimney’s lifespan. So you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars replacing it.
How To Increase Your Chimney’s Lifespan
⇨ Regular Cleaning & Maintenance
The best way to increase your chimney’s lifespan is to get it inspected and cleaned by a professional chimney cleaning service. You should get your chimney professionally cleaned at least once a year.
This practice eliminates any debris and creosote that may have built up in your chimney over the years. Regular Cleaning also removes the unpleasant smell coming from your chimney.
⇨ Waterproofing
Water damage is one of the major causes of chimney failure when you live in a region with heavy rainfall. It is why you should waterproof your chimneys. Waterproofing your chimneys will prevent the water from seeping into the bricks and mortar of your chimney and protect the structural integrity of your chimney.
⇨ Use Fireplace Dampers.
An effective way to increase the lifespan of your chimney and save money on your electricity bills is to install a fireplace damper on your chimney. A fireplace damper increases your home’s energy efficiency by preventing the outside draft from entering your home, which helps the fireplace burn efficiently.
Ensure that your fireplace damper is open while using your fireplace and closed when you are not using it to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
⇨ Install A Chimney Cap
The easiest and most cost-effective way to increase your chimney’s lifespan is to install a chimney cap. A chimney cap will protect your chimney from animals, water damage, and debris by preventing them from getting inside it.
Tip: Install a stainless steel cap to prevent it from rusting.
⇨ Only Burn Firewood In Your Chimney
Many people make the mistake of burning things like garbage and construction debris in their fireplaces. You should avoid doing this, as these materials can release harmful toxins while burning, which are harmful to your health.
Only burn certified firewood in your fireplace to protect your health and prevent the accumulation of debris on your chimney.
⇨ Keep The Area Around Your Chimney Clean
You can increase the lifespan of your chimney by ensuring that area around your chimney is clean. You can do this by cleaning all the debris around the chimney and also cleaning the excess soot in your fireplace.
Moreover, you should also clean up any stray vegetation around your chimney to prevent any damage to it.
⇨ Change The Chimney Liner.
You should carefully inspect the liners of your chimney to ensure that they aren’t damaged or cracked. It can cause carbon monoxide leakage inside your home and lead to several health issues.
Also, some older chimneys don’t have built-in flue liners. Therefore, it is crucial to get your old and damaged chimney liners inspected and replaced by professionals.
Bottom Line
Your chimney is an important part of your fireplace, as it provides a pathway for smoke to exit your home without causing any harm. Though they are durable and can last a long time, you need to know the ways, how to increase your chimney’s lifespan.
From our experience as professional chimney cleaners, we have listed some ways that can help you with your chimney maintenance. So don’t hesitate to call professionals to inspect your chimney and increase its longevity.
