Caring for Your Chimney in the Off-Season

During the warm summer months, you're probably not giving much thought about your chimney.  However, now is the perfect time to give your chimney the attention it needs. At Admiralty Chimney, we encourage homeowners to take advantage of the off-season to inspect, maintain, and prepare their chimneys before the busy fall rush.

Here are some tips on caring for your chimney in the off-season and why you should address your chimney's maintenance before the cold weather returns.

1. Check your chimney masonry. 

Now is a great time to do a visual inspection of your chimney’s masonry. Look for:

• Cracked or Missing Bricks

• Crumbling Mortar Joints

• Discoloration or Staining

• Leaning or Tilting

If you notice any of these signs, contact us to schedule a chimney inspection.

2. Look for water damage.

Did you know that the biggest threat to your chimney system is moisture? Here’s what you need to look for:

• Rust on metal components (damper, flashing, firebox)

• A musty smell in the fireplace

• White staining (efflorescence) on bricks

• Interior wall or ceiling stains near the chimney

  
  

>RELATED ARTICLE:  How to Waterproof Your Chimney

3. Schedule a cleaning before the busy season.

You don’t need to wait until the cold weather returns to schedule a chimney cleaning. Summer is an ideal time to:

• Remove creosote and soot buildup.

• Prevent strong odors caused by moisture mixing with residue.

• Avoid the fall scheduling rush.

REMINDER: Annual cleanings are crucial for maintaining the safety and efficiency of wood-burning stoves and fireplaces.

4. Look for signs of unwanted visitors.

Birds, squirrels, and other critters often nest in chimneys during the spring. If your chimney cap is missing or damaged, it’s an open invitation to unwanted guests. Watch for:

• Droppings or Nesting Debris

• Strange Noises

• Draft Issues From Blockages

PRO TIP: The best way to keep animals, debris, and rain out of your chimney year-round is to install a chimney cap.

5. Schedule a professional inspection.

Even if everything looks fine on the outside, hidden issues can still develop inside your chimney. A professional chimney inspection during the off-season can detect:

• Flue Liner Damage

• Blockages or Creosote Buildup

• Draft Problems or Safety Hazards

At Admiralty Chimney, our certified technicians utilize video scanning and detailed inspections to ensure your chimney is safe, clean, and ready for the next season. 

>Learn more about CHIMNEY INSPECTIONS and how to schedule one.

Chimney Cleanings and Inspections in Southern NH & Northern MA

Admiralty Chimney is your trusted local expert for chimney inspections, cleanings, maintenance, and repairs.  Schedule an appointment today so you’ll be ready for the burning season!

Keeping Critters Out of Your Chimney

The Importance of a Chimney Cap

Ahhh springtime. The trees are budding, the bees are buzzing, and all of our favorite backyard critters are back for another season. While our furry and feathered friends seek out their summer homes, you'll want to make sure your chimney is “off the market” by installing a chimney cap.

What is a Chimney Cap?

A chimney cap is a protective covering that sits at the very top of your chimney. Usually made of stainless steel or copper, a chimney cap keeps out snow, ice, and debris during the burning season. It also contains chimney sparks to reduce the risk of a roof fire. In the off-season, a chimney cap prevents birds, squirrels, raccoons, and even bats from building nests or taking shelter. 

Chimney Critter Problems

Once inside, these “seasonal guests” can cause serious problems:

• Blockages from nests or debris that prevent proper ventilation during the burning season (and the risk of carbon monoxide build-up)

• Odors from nesting materials, droppings, or deceased animals

• Health hazards from bacteria and parasites

• Structural damage from scratching, chewing, or acidic droppings

A properly installed chimney cap acts as a barrier, preventing animals from entering in the first place.

Now is the Time to Install a Chimney Cap

Spring or summer is the perfect time to install a chimney cap and take care of any other necessary maintenance. The weather is more reliable, and maintaining your chimney now ensures it will operate safely and efficiently during the burning season.

Chimney Cap Installations in Merrimack, NH

At Admiralty Chimney, we offer professional chimney cap installation services in Merrimack and neighboring towns in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Whether you need a new cap installed or want to replace an old one, contact our experienced technicians. We will make sure your chimney is secure and ready for whatever Mother Nature throws its way. 

>Related Chimney Topics:  

CHIMNEY WATERPROOFING

CHIMNEY MASONRY REPAIR

CHIMNEY CLEANINGS

END-OF-SEASON CHIMNEY CARE

Preventing Chimney Damage with Professional Waterproofing

When most people think of chimney damage, the first thing that comes to mind is fire. While a chimney fire can wreak havoc on your heating system and home, water is the number one cause of chimney damage. Over time, rain, snow, and ice penetrate chimney masonry, leading to brick and mortar spalling, cracks in the chimney flue liner, and interior damage, including wall stains and mold growth. The most effective way to prevent water damage is to have your chimney professionally waterproofed.

Chimney Damage in New England

Due to the winter freeze-thaw cycle, untreated chimneys in New England are particularly vulnerable. “Water gets into small cracks and then freezes, expands, and breaks the chimney apart from the inside out,” explains Admiralty Chimney Owner John Butler, a CCP-Certified Master Chimney Technician. Taking proactive steps now can save you from costly repairs in the future.

The Importance of Professional Chimney Waterproofing

Masonry is porous, making it susceptible to water intrusion. A professional waterproofing acts as a barrier, preventing your chimney’s masonry from absorbing water, while allowing it to breathe. For this reason, the CCP-certified chimney professionals at Admiralty Chimney strongly recommend that all homeowners have their chimneys professionally waterproofed.

Before You Waterproof Your Chimney

Before waterproofing your chimney, our CCP-certified chimney professionals will assess its masonry for any existing damage or deterioration. Once any needed repairs are completed, we will apply the waterproofing.

Our waterproofing solution is 100% vapor-permeable, which means it won’t trap any water vapors that could pass through the bricks. This ensures that your chimney continues to safely “breathe out” the gases produced by your fireplace.

Why DIY Chimney Waterproofing Isn’t Recommended

DIY chimney waterproofing can be risky because if it is improperly applied or the wrong sealant is used, it could lead to further masonry damage and compromise your safety. 

Climbing onto a roof to waterproof a chimney also poses serious safety risks, especially on steep or uneven surfaces. Without the proper fall protection or equipment, one wrong step can lead to serious injuries or death. This is one home maintenance task that's best left to the professionals.

Is Chimney Waterproofing Worth the Money?

When it comes to waterproofing your chimney, Benjamin Franklin’s expression, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” applies.  Having your chimney professionally waterproofed is a wise investment compared to shelling out several thousand dollars on masonry repairs and restorations caused by water damage. 

Chimney Waterproofing in Southern NH and Northern Massachusetts

Don’t let water destroy your chimney’s masonry. Contact our CCP-certified professionals today to schedule a waterproofing service. 

About Admiralty Chimney

Admiralty Chimney is an award-winning, locally owned chimney cleaning and repair company serving homeowners throughout southern New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts. Contact us today to learn more.