After a cold, harsh winter in Michigan and other cold-weather climates like it, people come out of hibernation ready to soak up some sun and breathe in some fresh air. It’s an annual event that has become a ritual for many — something to look forward to following dark, gloomy winters.
Every spring should also be a time when you do annual maintenance on your home, especially on chimneys and outdoor hardscapes. The harsh winters can do damage to these things, and checking their status once the frost has melted is always a good idea.
Spring check-ups help ensure that your chimneys are in good working order, which can help to avoid risks of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. Having your chimneys checked, cleaned and fixed on a regular cycle will help to ensure your indoor air quality remains high and that everything is safe inside.
In addition, checking on your outdoor hardscapes helps you prepare your outdoor space for the new season.
Below are some of the top spring check-up services for chimneys and outdoor hardscapes.
Chimney Inspections
Both the Chimney Safety Institute of America and the National Fire Protection Association say that homeowners should have their chimney inspected at least once a year, and cleaned at that time as well.
What the inspection does, according to standards set by the NFPA, is ensure the “soundness, freedom from deposits and correct clearances” of the system. Some of the things an inspector will look for is any cracks, gaps or staining that might be occurring in and on your chimney, which would indicate that a repair might be necessary.
When an inspection is completed, it will determine if your chimney and fireplace system is safe to operate. The inspector will also be able to tell whether any maintenance, repairs and/or cleaning should be completed based on the results of the inspection.
Annual chimney inspections will also ensure your safety and prevent any neglect from happening as well. You can avoid costly chimney repairs by identifying structural or fire safety issues early, which is why putting a chimney inspection on your calendar each spring is a good idea.
Types of Chimney Inspections
Not all chimney inspections are the same. In fact, there are many components of a chimney inspection, including …
- Visual inspection: Professionals inspect the chimney without special equipment or climbing on the roof. It can also be done by homeowners most of the time, since it doesn’t require any special equipment and is safe to do from the inside of your home.
- Video inspection: Professionals will climb onto the roof, attic and crawl space/basement to search for any disrepair. The inspector will use video scanning devices and special tools to help them with the job.
- In-depth inspection and report: After a chimney fire happens, a more in-depth inspection is typically required. This is done to see what damage has occurred, and what fixes will be necessary to get it back into working order. It might involve tearing down and rebuilding walls as well as the chimney itself.
Chimney Sweep Services
If you’ve never hired a professional chimney sweep before, you might be wondering what the process is like.
When the technicians arrive at your door, they should have with them all the equipment they will need to completely service the chimney. This includes HEPA vacuums, cameras, chemical cleaners and creosote brushes.
They will likely also be wearing masks, gloves and goggles to protect them from the soot and ash that is likely to fall when they are removing the soot, debris and building from your chimney. To that point, they should also properly prepare your room for the chimney servicing, which should include drop cloths and other materials.
During the chimney cleaning process, the company should perform a general inspection of the chimney and its venting system. They are looking to identify any potential fire safety hazards, and should be notifying you if they find them.
How to Choose a Reputable Chimney Sweep
Since chimney sweeping is such an important job — and involves the safety of you, your family and everyone else inside your home — it’s essential to hire a company that you can trust.
First, make sure that the companies you consider have the proper certification from the National Chimney Sweep Guild. From there, check for their experience and expertise in chimney sweeping and repair, which can be found on their website and other independent industry sites.
You can also ask for referrals from people you know and trust, and read online reviews posted by other customers to help you make the decision.
All Brick is a very reputable company that is certified through CISA and can provide chimney inspection services you can trust.
Why Choosing the Right Provider is Important
Less reputable companies may come with a smaller price tag, but they also often come with headaches and major issues.
Experience and expertise matter in all cases, but especially with systems such as your chimney that can be dangerous if not properly maintained. By choosing the right provider, you will ensure that a thorough and accurate inspection — and related maintenance — of your chimney is conducted.
These companies provide high-quality service, customer satisfaction and peace of mind — since you know you can trust what they’re doing and what they tell you. This becomes especially important with your chimney, which is not something you can easily inspect on your own.
Outdoor Hardscapes Spring Maintenance
It’s equally important to conduct spring maintenance on your outdoor hardscapes. Unlike chimney inspections, though, this maintenance is done to prepare for the season at hand, rather than clean up and repair from the season that just ended.
Here are some areas you should focus your spring maintenance on.
Cleaning and Inspecting Outdoor Structures
After the winter has ended, you should check all of your outdoor structures for damage. This includes all patios, walkways and driveways, as well as decks, porches, outdoor kitchens, retaining walls and outdoor lighting.
What you are looking for are obvious signs that damage has occurred. This could be cracks or holes in the hardscaping, streaks or parts that might be missing. If you find any of this, it’s important to fix them right away before more damage can be done.
Once you’ve identified and repaired any damage, it’s time to do a spring cleaning. Sweep or wipe away any dirt and other grime, wet it down to remove everything and let it dry thoroughly.
Repairing and Replacing Damaged Components
The most common damage that you might find in your outdoor structures are cracked or broken pavers, rotted or damaged wood, and faulty outdoor lighting or electrical components.
These may not be major problems that require in-depth and expensive fixes. However, if you don’t address them right away when spring begins, they could turn into huge issues very quickly.
Spring is often a very wet time, and water will do immense damage anywhere that it can. These areas of damage are particularly susceptible to other damage, so make sure that you fix them right away.
Preparing for Outdoor Entertaining and Activities
Spring might not be “high season” for outdoor entertaining, but it’s the perfect time to prepare your outdoor area for it. This includes simple cleaning and preparing your outdoor furniture and decor, inspecting and repairing all outdoor equipment and appliances in preparation for outdoor events and activities that you might host.
By making this an annual to-do item every spring, you’ll never be rushing to get it all done in the days leading up to your early summer BBQs.
Preparing for a Chimney Inspection
There are certain things that you should do to prepare for a chimney inspection and outdoor hardscape maintenance.
Make sure to move any furniture away from your chimney and cover it with either a drop cloth or plastic. It’s also important to move away any tapestries and rugs from the area, as well as all delicate items from the mantle.
Make sure that your chimney is properly cooled for at least 24 hours before the inspection. This will ensure that the structure is safe for the professionals to work with.
Benefits of Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance of chimneys will ensure their safe operation and prevent future accidents. Regular cleanings remove soot and buildup that can result in chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Just like any other part of your home, properly maintaining your chimney will protect your investment and your property value. By making sure there are no issues — or that issues are addressed as early as possible — you’ll be protecting yourself against costly repairs and damage to other parts of your home.
Regular maintenance will also help to enhance your outdoor living experience, which is vital in the spring, summer and fall. You will create a safe and beautiful outdoor space that you, your family and friends can enjoy with peace of mind.
Add Chimney and Outdoor Hardscape Maintenance to Your Spring Cleaning Checklist
Every spring, it’s important to conduct annual inspections and maintenance on chimneys and outdoor hardscapes. Doing so will help protect your investment, your property value and your enjoyment of your property.
Make sure to schedule regular chimney inspections and maintenance to occur every year, so that you never have to think about it. And don’t forget to inspect, clean and prepare your outdoor hardscapes and living areas so you can enjoy your outdoor space with peace of mind as the weather gets warm.
