Keeping your house warm during the coldest seasons is easy with a fireplace. With proper maintenance, this vital part of your home can last for decades. Here are three things you should do to keep your chimney and fireplace in good shape, so you stay warm during the height of winter.

Replace Old Chimney Dampers and Tops

A cap at the top of your chimney keeps animals and water out of the flue and away from the damper. The damper is a pivotal part of the fireplace because it opens to allow smoke up and out of the chimney and closes when not in use to prevent air from seeping in or out. If the chimney caps and dampers Washington DC are damaged, you won’t be able to use your fireplace when the weather gets cold, so replace them as soon as you can. 

Inspect the Bricks and Mortar

Since the chimney is an exterior element of the house, it has to withstand all types of weather. This can cause the materials to erode and disintegrate over time. Small cracks allow water to seep inside, which leads to weakness in the chimney. If bricks begin to get loose and fall, the support system may fail, and the entire chimney can collapse. To prevent further damage, apply a waterproof sealant to any noticeable cracks in the mortar. 

Sweep the Chimney

As the fire burns wood and other fuel sources, soot and ash get carried up into the chimney. Over time, a layer builds up inside the flue, which can be a fire hazard. After very 50 burns, it’s necessary to sweep out the chimney and remove this residue.

A fireplace keeps your home warm and cozy during the cold winter. Follow these three tips to ensure your fireplace is safe to use and functions properly, so you stay comfortable when it’s chilly outside.