With winter fast approaching in Indianapolis, any homeowner with a fireplace will be hearing a lot about chimney maintenance. Rightly so, keeping your chimney in pristine condition is critical for efficient, safe fires. A damaged chimney is a huge problem and a major safety hazard. Clearly, chimney maintenance is important. 

But one thing about chimney maintenance can definitely be confusing. 

The frequency. 

So, what’s the proper frequency of chimney maintenance? 

Read on to find out. 

The Importance of Chimney Maintenance

What’s the big deal with it anyway? Well, it’s critical for keeping your chimney in safe working condition. One of the most dangerous events that can happen is a chimney fire. When creosote and soot build up in your chimney, it creates a huge risk for a chimney fire. Chimney fires can severely damage your chimney, and even your home if they are bad enough. 

One of the simplest ways to prevent chimney fires and chimney damage, in general, is with maintenance. Chimney maintenance includes chimney sweeps, inspections, repairs, and any other steps your local expert recommends based on your unique chimney. Completing chimney maintenance as you should prevent issues from arising and ensure you can enjoy your fireplace for many years. 

How Often You Need Chimney Maintenance

Now for the big question, what’s the proper frequency? Generally, you’ll need your chimney sweep and inspection at least once every year, before you start using your fireplace. Ideally, it’s best to get your chimney cleaned and inspected in spring, right after the burning season, so that creosote and soot won’t sit in it all summer. And that way, you’ll be ready to go once it’s time to use your fireplace again. 

Other maintenance, like repairs, will depend on the state of your chimney. Only a trained professional can help you decide when the right frequency is for other chimney maintenance, and the best time to discuss this is after your yearly sweep and inspection. 

That means if you haven’t gotten your annual chimney sweep and inspection yet, you should do so before you use your fireplace this winter! Don’t wait until the last minute, and don’t skip this critical maintenance. Contact your local experts, the Brick + Ember Outfitters of Indianapolis for your annual chimney sweep and inspection. You can count on Brick + Ember Outfitters for the best chimney sweep and inspection in the area. We’re also happy to help with any other chimney maintenance or repairs you need. To learn more about our chimney services or to schedule your appointment, contact us today 317-500-1250 and OFFICE@BRICKANDEMBER.COM.