The Best Time of Year to Inspect Your Chimney

1. The Best Time of Year to Inspect Your Chimney Your chimney plays an important role in your overall comfort. Without it, you would be unable to enjoy a roaring fire in the dead of winter to stay warm. Chimney inspections are important for your safety, and while many homeowners schedule an annual inspection for this reason, there is one time of the year that is always the best. The Common Misconception Homeowners across Chicago often think the best time to have their chimneys inspected is in the fall, right before they will need to start using their fireplaces for warmth. This certainly makes sense; they have not used their chimneys all summer, so the odds of problems are very slim. This is a very common misconception. Because so many people believe this, chimney sweeps and inspectors are often booked solid by October, which leaves homeowners waiting longer than expected for their inspections, and forces them to stop using their fireplace on the day of the inspection, as well. Schedule During the Off-Season Months The best time of year to inspect your chimney is in the off-season – typically in the spring, just after the cold weather has passed. Most people will assume that chimney inspections are not necessary at this point since they have used their fireplaces all winter without issue. Homeowners can take advantage of that fact, schedule their inspections in the spring, and enjoy quick service that makes planning (and heating, if necessary) simpler. Every chimney and fireplace company in the industry will agree that the difference between their busy and slow seasons is tremendous, and they encourage their clients to schedule inspections in the spring or summer for that reason. Other Benefits of Springtime Inspections Most of the time, you can have your chimney cleaned and inspected on the same day. This is simply more convenient and it may even save you money. With that in mind, here are some of the other benefits associated with springtime chimney inspections: Your chimney will stay clean until the burning season. Once your chimney is swept in the spring, there will be no buildup of creosote and soot until burning season. This means there is no harm in scheduling your cleaning and inspection early.

2. Chimney damage is more common during the winter months. Despite springtime weather that can cause roof and chimney damage, it’s the harsh winter environment that is notorious for causing problems. Moisture soaks into the masonry around your chimney, and as it freezes and thaws, it expands and contracts, which can create masonry cracks. Over time, these cracks grow larger and may lead to a significant leak and even structural damage to your home. A spring inspection allows for early detection and repair, which can save you even more money. Your home will stay fresher. Some homeowners note that failing to clean their chimneys in the spring often leads to an unpleasant odor from the built-up creosote. While most homeowners call for chimney inspections in the fall in preparation for the heating season, the truth is that spring is the best time of year for inspections, cleanings, and other chimney services. In fact, it could save you money and prevent catastrophic damage to your home.