A chimney is an important part of homes as it ensures safety by eliminating smoke and toxins. So, it is critical to have the chimney inspected and repaired regularly, as a non-functioning chimney can pose a health risk. Chimney repair professionals can spot all potential issues and address them before you end up with a clogged system. So, here are some common types of chimney damage, top chimney repair services, and cleaning tips:

Common chimney issues
Creosote buildup: Creosote is a thin, black film and a fire byproduct that coats the interior of the fireplace and chimney. Because of its high flammability, the buildup is a fire risk if the heating unit is not properly ventilated. The creosote coating should be professionally inspected and cleaned each year before being used in winter to avoid a fire hazard.

Clogged chimneys: The primary function of a chimney is to safely remove smoke from your home. When it gets clogged or needs repair, smoke flows right into your home, allowing harmful compounds, such as carbon monoxide and other gases, to enter and pose a risk to your health.

Broken cap: The chimney cap, placed at the top of the chimney, is an important component that keeps animals at bay and prevents the rooftop from burning. A corroded, damaged, or cracked cap can damage your roof by limiting smoke removal and allowing flames to pass through.

In addition to addressing the abovementioned issues, routine maintenance is critical for avoiding more expensive chimney repairs in the future. Regular repairs can improve the efficiency of your fireplace and is an excellent way to detect minor issues.

Top service providers
Chimney repair is just as important as other home maintenance services. So, here are a few of the best service providers to consider:

Chimney & Wildlife Specialists: This company provides a variety of services, including the installation of gas logs to enhance the efficiency of the fireplace. You can also get maintenance services like cleaning, inspections, rebuilds, remodeling, and installation of custom chimney caps. What’s more? The professionals can also animal-proof your home to keep pests away.

Midtown Chimney Sweeps: The company is known for providing superior residential dryer vent cleaning and maintenance services. Using cutting-edge tools, technology, and a thorough understanding of regional norms and regulations, the professionals here offer specialized services.

Vertical Chimney Care: The company has been operating for 35 years and provides various services, including expert chimney and fireplace inspection, maintenance, and repairs. Vertical Chimeny Care also offers regular upkeep, masonry restoration, flue lining, gas log installation, chase top cleaning, obstruction removal, and rebuilding services.

Priddy Chimney Sweeps: Priddy offers services like house inspections, advice on a potential home sale or purchase, and chimney health information. Its professionals deal with issues like renovation, leakage, chimney repairs, odors, draughts, and upgrading furnaces or water heaters, among others. Priddy’s professionals can also build brand-new chimneys.

Tips for cleaning your chimney
Depending on how often you cook and the type of food you prepare, you should clean the kitchen chimney at least once every two months. The meshes and filters should be cleaned once a month if a lot of fatty and spicy food is prepared. If your chimney has a charcoal filter, you must change the filter every six months. Here are additional tips for cleaning a filter to avoid frequent chimney repairs:

Use vinegar: The hood and panels of the chimney, as well as the exterior, can be cleaned to get rid of dirt and stains using a white vinegar solution. Dip a paper towel completely into the vinegar solution, then use it to clean surfaces. Let the vinegar sit for a few minutes on the surface to ensure that the dirt and smoke residue can be wiped off. After a short while, wipe the surfaces with a clean, damp paper towel to get rid of any leftovers.

Try baking soda: Grease buildup on the hood can be removed using baking soda. Make a thick paste by mixing two tablespoons of baking soda with a small amount of water. Apply this paste to the surface and let it sit for 5 minutes before using a wet cloth to wipe the surface.

Use dishwashing liquid: Dishwashing liquid can easily get rid of oil and grease from mesh filters. Apply the liquid to the filter and gently scrub to evenly distribute the liquid before rinsing the filters. Then, place the filter in a container of boiling water. Let it sit for 2 hours before removing and cleaning the filter with a gentle scrubber. You can then let the filter air dry before installing it.