Family-owned chimney service for Fruit Cove homeowners

A house that sits empty for months at a time can come back to a chimney that has changed while nobody was watching, so a little preparation before leaving and a short check on return pay off. Before leaving, close the damper on a wood fireplace to keep flue air and debris out of the room, and make sure the cap is in place with its mesh intact.

For a gas fireplace, the manual says whether the pilot can be turned off between seasons and how to relight it, so follow its steps rather than guessing. Clear ashes from the firebox, since damp ash holds moisture against the firebrick. If someone checks the house while you are away, ask them to look at the ceiling beside the chimney and at the firebox floor after heavy rain.

On return, look before lighting anything. Open the damper and check above it with a flashlight for nesting material, check the firebox for water or debris, and look at the gas vent termination outside for anything packed against it. Test every alarm. A musty smell, fresh stains or debris in the firebox are reasons to book an inspection before the first fire.

NFPA 211 still calls for the yearly inspection whether or not the fireplace was used, and scheduling it just before you arrive means the flue is ready when you are. The estimate from that visit lists anything that happened in your absence and anything that can wait until next time. Leaving a written note for whoever checks the house, with our number and the 24/7 line on it, saves time if something happens while you are away.

A gas unit's outside vent termination can collect nests and insects while nobody is home, so look at it before the first use and have it cleared if anything is inside. Owners in Fruit Cove can book the return check by phone, and we look at the cap, the flue and the vent before the first fire. Call (904) 920-5495 to book a free inspection anywhere in Fruit Cove.