A functional, well-maintained chimney is just as important as the stove in the typical home. Doing regular maintenance work on your chimney can keep it in tip-top shape to serve your home for generations. On the flip side, a poorly maintained chimney can cause damage to the home or leave it inhabitable and often at the most inconvenient time. Here are the top 3 tips to ensure your chimney serves you well. As always we suggest to consult with a licensed Long Island chimney repair company about these tips.

1. Inspect Your Chimney Regularly

The chimney is not a complicated structure, but it covers a large part of the home. It would be best if you were not to miss any spots inside or outside the frame. Look out for any signs of structural weakness like cracks or signs of blockages. Remember, how often you inspect your chimney depends on how often you use of it. If you use it only in the winter months, an annual inspection will suffice.

2. Replace the Chimney Cap

Most chimney caps have a flue line cap that does a moderately good job of keeping rainwater from seeping into the house. However, a full-sized chimney cap does a better job at protecting the entire chimney top from rain and water damage. The piece is also great for preventing any other kind of debris from entering the chimney shaft. Look out for any rust buildup on the chimney grating or on the chimney cap and replace any rusted pieces.

3. Clean Out Creosote

Creosote is the dark tarry substance that coats the chimney shaft. It forms when cold air from outside combined with smoke from burning wood and condenses, forming creosote. A buildup of creosote can be hazardous because it is flammable and can cause a chimney fire. Creosote builds up faster when there is poor ventilation in the chimney shaft. Clearing the substance is the best way to keep the chimney’s masonry sound.