Your fireplace can be a comfortable way to offset the cost of high heating bills, and can be an extremely safe option when watched carefully and taken care of.

A clean and well-maintained fireplace and chimney can help minimize any unsafe practices, and help keep your friends and family safe and warm. Keeping a close eye on your fireplace, chimney, and mantle — and inspecting them on a regular basis — will help you determine if, and when, repairs are needed to keep you safe.

– Check the outside of your chimney and look for cracks or crumbling mortar that could lead to extensive damage. Furthermore, inspect the inside of the chimney to ensure no animals are calling it home.

– Be aware of how your fireplace is operating. If a fire in your fireplace takes a long time to start, results in excessive smoke, or starts emitting a foul smell, it might be time for you to have your chimney professionally cleaned.

– Examine your mantle and walls surrounding the fireplace. Water damage, peeling wallpaper and cracked mortar might be signs of a leaking chimney. If not immediately fixed, a leaking chimney can allow water into your home, creating extensive damage.

– Lastly, make sure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home. These devices save lives by alerting homeowners and other occupants of danger. Replace the batteries in these devices a minimum of twice a year.

At Rooftop Chimney Sweeps, we can help ensure your fireplace and chimney operate safely and efficiently. We provide a variety of services, including fireplace service, and a chimney cleaning service that can keep your fireplace and chimney in safe, working order. And, we have the tools to reach areas of your system that you might not be able to inspect.

Whether you live in Arlington, Falls Church, McLean or Washington, D.C., we can offer tips to keep your fireplace safe. Contact us today.