Leaves are changing, thereโ€™s a chill in the air, and the days are getting shorter. As the rhythm of the changing seasons reminds us that winter is coming, we are also reminded that itโ€™s time for some important home maintenance. And a great place to start? Your fireplace and chimney. 

At Dunrite Chimney & Stove, we take the health and energy efficiency of your home seriously. Thatโ€™s why weโ€™ve put together a list of things to help you prepare your chimney for the coming winter โ€“ so that you can remain warm and cozy around a fire without the worry of leaks, chimney fires, or deteriorating masonry.

๐Ÿ Book Your Annual Inspection

3 small pumpkin and 1 big pumpkin in front of logs in a fireplaceThere are many things you can do to your fireplace to update it for use, but starting off with an inspection to make sure everything is in tip-top shape is a must, and it can help you direct your efforts and your money to the right places. Damage prevention is essential, and booking an inspection with Dunrite Chimney will allow you to go into the winter with peace of mind. There is nothing better than knowing that your fireplace is ready to provide you with warmth and aesthetic โ€“ without the worry of accidental fires or smoke damage.

๐Ÿ Invest in a Chimney Liner

A chimney liner helps direct the byproducts that come from burning wood in your fireplace effectively outside. There are many reasons why having a flue liner installed in your chimney is so vital. Not only will a liner help protect your home from catching fire, a well-fitted one will also increase the efficiency of your fireplace, ensuring the smoke and fumes are going out, while the warmth is staying in. Chimney liners also protect your masonry from caustic vapors and extend the life of your chimney.

๐Ÿ Tuckpoint Your Masonry

Tuckpointing is the process of removing deteriorating mortar from between your bricks and replacing it with new mortar. This will extend the life of your masonry work and keep it looking beautiful. The experts at Dunrite Chimney & Stove are able to install the closest possible match to your old mortar, maximizing its strength and matching the color perfectly, so your aesthetic isnโ€™t compromised.

๐Ÿ Update Your Chimney Cap

The main role of a chimney cap is to keep water from getting into your chimney and damaging the inside. As winter rolls around, moisture like snow and rain are sure to make an appearance. While a fresh blanket of white snow may look beautiful outside, you certainly donโ€™t want that blanket to find its way down your chimney.

A chimney cap will keep the water and snow from falling into your chimney, where it can cause lots of damage that is hidden or invisible to the untrained eye. Water damage in your chimney can lead to water damage in other parts of your home, as well. A properly installed chimney cap is a key to avoiding costly deterioration and destruction.

And guess what โ€“ water isnโ€™t the only thing a chimney cap keeps out. It will also keep unwanted animals and pests from entering your chimney and making a home there. Along with shielding your home from unwanted water and animals, a chimney cap will keep cold downdrafts and unwanted debris from finding their way into your home too โ€“ a smart investment, indeed.

๐Ÿ Consider Upgrading to an Insert

An insert is a highly efficient and reliable way to heat your home. They are meant to be put into pre-existing fireplaces for the benefit of heating your house with ultra-efficiency. They provide an extra level of heat output as well. An insert will give you these benefits without sacrificing any of the comfort and beauty of your original fireplace.

๐Ÿ Schedule a Rebuild

Sometimes a chimney rebuild is in order. There are a few things to look for that can tip you off that itโ€™s time to schedule a rebuild. The experts at Dunrite Chimney & Stove can help you determine when your chimney is ready for a rebuild and partner with you in the process.

Some reasons you may need to schedule a rebuild areโ€ฆ

  • smoking chimney with a red-roofed house in the background and a tree with yellow leavesYour chimney has separated from your home.
  • Your chimney is tilted and/or damaged.
  • Part of your chimney has collapsed.
  • Your chimneyโ€™s original build is failing.
  • Youโ€™re experiencing excessive water damage and leaks.

If you have noticed any of these things, Dunrite Chimney & Stove are a quick phone call away. They will help you through the entire process in order to provide you with an expertly crafted rebuild that will keep your home warm and beautiful for the long haul.

๐Ÿ Invest in a fireplace facelift

Now that you know everything is correctly working correctly and properly maintained, itโ€™s time to think about updating the look and the feel of your fireplace. Dunrite Chimney & Stove have an ingenious team of workers dedicated to helping you find the perfect look for your home. 

Specializing in brick and stone, we offer over 100 colors and 21 textures to choose from. This gives you the opportunity to create a living space with a fireplace that is exactly as youโ€™ve always dreamed. There simply is no better way to go into the dark winter months than with a new look to your fireplace. It will make you feel like you have a whole new home.

Weโ€™ve Got Options โ€“ Call Today

Fall reminds us that itโ€™s time to get ready for the winter months ahead. Call Dunrite Chimney & Stove today and fight the cold and darkness of winter with the light and warmth that only a well-maintained, properly functioning, and beautiful fireplace can give.

Dial 631-353-0004 or reach out to us online today.