Spring Cleaning Your Chimney in Atlanta

Your fireplace has kept your family warm all winter. Now, with spring just around the corner, it’s time to retire the firewood and enjoy the weather. Whether hiring a professional chimney sweep or doing it by yourself, spring cleaning your chimney is a great way to get rid of the soot that has accumulated during the season and to prepare it for use next fall. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you along the way.

1. Check your chimney for animals. Because chimneys are warm during the winter months, they make great homes for critters. You can usually get a good idea if there’s anything up there by shining a flashlight through the bottom. If you see eyes looking back at you, you’ve got a problem. Birds, raccoons, and mice are just a few of the wild animals that might be making a habitat out of your chimney. If you do find something, be sure to safely remove it before proceeding with cleaning. If necessary, call your local Animal Control for assistance.
2. Next, measure the size of your flue. You will need specific-sized tools to help you adequately clean your chimney. By determining the size, you will be able to purchase the correct brush and length of rope needed to get the job done.
3. If you haven’t already, purchase the equipment you need in order to clean your chimney. A brush, extension pipe, tarp, ladder, broom, and protective gear for your eyes are all musts. It would also be a good idea to cover your mouth with a dust mask or handkerchief.
4. Because cleaning your chimney can be messy, dress in old clothes that can get dirty. You will also need to drape the tarp around the fireplace to protect the carpet. It might be a good idea to cover furniture with sheets as well, just to be safe.
5. Using the ladder, climb to the top of the roof and begin to clean the chimney from the top down. Follow the instructions on your chimney brush to see exactly how the process will work.
6. Then, clean the bottom of the chimney through the fireplace. You can use a smaller-bristled brush to reach anything you missed while on the roof.
7. Clean the fireplace area and dispose of all of the debris. Be sure to vacuum or sweep as needed to ensure that soot doesn’t get tracked all over your home.

If you have any doubts about cleaning your chimney yourself, give Atlanta Chimney Doctors, LLC, a call. We can help you hire a professional chimney sweep in alpharetta or answer any questions that you might have.