As the air starts to cool and the evenings draw in, there’s nothing quite like the thought of a crackling fire. Here in Windsor, we know that a fireplace is the heart of the home, especially during those damp, chilly nights when a breeze comes off the Cashie River. But before you even think about stacking the logs, let's talk about the most important step: making sure your chimney is clean and safe.
The big question isn't if you should get your chimney cleaned, but when. And for us in Bertie County, the answer isn't just "in the fall."
The Smart Season: Late Spring & Early Summer
I know, it sounds counterintuitive. Who thinks about their fireplace when the humidity is kicking up in May and June? Smart homeowners, that's who. Scheduling your chimney cleaning and inspection in the off-season is the single best tip I can give.
First, you beat the autumn rush. Come September, our phones ring off the hook. By scheduling in spring, you get your choice of appointments. More importantly, it addresses issues unique to our Eastern North Carolina climate. That summer humidity can mix with the soot and creosote left in your chimney, creating a corrosive acid that eats away at your masonry and a foul, musty smell that can permeate your home on a hot day. Cleaning it out after the burn season stops this problem before it starts.
This is also the ideal time for repairs. If we find a cracked chimney crown or damaged flashing—common issues in older Windsor homes—we have the long, dry days of summer to get the masonry work done right, ensuring it’s fully cured and waterproof before the fall rains.
The Critical Check: After a Big Storm
We're no strangers to tropical storms and the occasional hurricane remnant. High winds and driving rain are brutal on a chimney system. After any significant weather event, it's crucial to have your chimney inspected, even if it was recently serviced. Wind can damage or blow off a chimney cap, leaving your flue wide open for rain and animals. It can also tear away at flashing, creating leaks that might not show up inside your home for weeks. A quick post-storm inspection can save you from thousands of dollars in water damage repairs down the road.
The Traditional Tune-Up: Early Fall
If spring and summer slipped by, early fall (think September) is your last best chance before you light that first fire. Our main goal here is to clear out any "summer squatters." Birds and squirrels love to build nests in unprotected chimneys over the summer, creating a dangerous blockage that can easily lead to a chimney fire or send carbon monoxide back into your home.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), every chimney should be inspected annually and cleaned as needed. For us here in Windsor, that means planning around our humid summers and stormy falls. Don't wait until the first cold snap. A little planning now ensures a season of safe, warm, and worry-free fires.