What should your chimney maintenance schedule for the year look like? We can help. We’ve broken down seasonal chimney care into an easy-to-follow month-by-month maintenance calendar.
Chimney Upkeep Guide: Seasonal Breakdown
Winter is the primary burn season, so it consists mainly of routine checks. Fall is the preparation season, when you should have professionals clean and inspect your chimney. The spring and summer seasons are generally the ideal time to perform major repairs and maintenance.
Your Month-by-Month Maintenance Calendar
We’ve created a detailed chimney upkeep guide that covers each season, month-by-month. To find out what you need to do each month, check the list below!
- January: Visually check your chimney’s exterior regularly, looking for any cracked bricks, missing mortar or other potential defects, and arrange for repairs
- February: Test your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and ensure optimal functions.
- March: Schedule your annual professional chimney inspection — a certified technician will examine your chimney and identify any problems that need to be resolved.
- April: Investigate your chimney for objects like bird nests, leaves or other debris. Remove any objects on top of or inside the upper part of your chimney to keep it clear.
- May: Your monthly chimney check for May is to inspect the chimney crown for cracks that could allow water to penetrate, and have them repaired promptly.
- June: The first month of summer is the ideal time to check areas like the metal flashing where the chimney meets the roof for signs of rust or damage.
- July: Midsummer is the perfect time to open and close the damper to see if it works properly.
- August: Prune any trees growing around your home, removing branches near your chimney to prevent them from impeding efficient smoke flow or becoming a fire hazard.
- September: Before the chill rolls in, stockpile seasoned firewood that won’t clog your chimney with soot. Sweep out any old ashes before your first test fire of the season.
- October: Light a fire and ensure your entire fire ventilation system works well. Note any signs that the chimney is blocked or that some components aren’t working.
- November: Remove accumulated debris from your chimney and fireplace. Have a professional chimney sweep clean the chimney thoroughly.
- December: December is likely the first month when snow or ice occurs. Both of these events can lead to a blocked chimney, so check for and remove blockages.
When to Schedule Emergency Chimney Maintenance
Various weather events can compromise your chimney’s effectiveness or safety, even when you routinely do monthly chimney checks. If you notice any of the following, schedule chimney maintenance or repairs immediately:
- A partial or complete chimney collapse after a storm or other harsh weather
- Sudden blockages due to ice formation or debris infiltration
- Intense weather infiltration, like rain pouring down the chimney
- Carbon monoxide influx due to blockages or air pressure differences
- Smoke is backing down the chimney into your home.
Your Year-Round Chimney Partner in Atlanta
While chimney maintenance is pretty simple when broken down month by month, it’s often more realistic to hire a chimney maintenance expert. Atlanta Chimney Doctor has the skills, experience and expertise you need to help keep your chimney in optimal condition — contact us today.