January is not over yet, which means we still have a long winter ahead of us. Because of this, we urge all of the homeowners in our service area to consider the following guidelines for keeping their home and family better protected through the harsh winds, freezing temperatures, and the potentially heavy snowfall of winter. The better your home functions, the better your fireplace and chimney will function, and here at Clean Sweep of Anne Arundel 
County, we strive to keep you as safe as possible, no matter what.
Unclog Your Gutters
With all the snow and ice that is bound to end up on your roof, cleaning and inspecting your gutters is a must! If this excess water cannot properly drain, you’ll be left with lots of water damage, which could affect the stability of your roof, chimney, and fireplace. In the end, you may notice leaks and water stains throughout your walls and ceilings, and your masonry will suffer, too.
Has your brickwork and mortar already started to break down due to water damage? Let us help. We can resolve chimney leaks, replace any chimney parts as necessary, and get your brickwork back in tip-top shape with our masonry repair services. We can also offer our waterproofing services, which will ensure your chimney stays better protected while being able to vent out any preabsorbed water.
Insulate Your Pipes
Another important step in prepping your home for winter is to insulate any pipes that are exposed to the frigid outdoor temperatures. Plumbing that runs through your attic, basement, crawlspace, or garage is more prone to freeze, which could lead to a burst pipe before you know it. This will obviously call for all kinds of costly repairs, and it could do a lot of permanent damage throughout your home, too. All in all, frozen pipes are something to avoid at all costs!
Practice Fireplace Safety
As your fireplace sees more use throughout these weeks of winter, it is important to stay knowledgeable on ways to keep your home and family safer. For example, you should never leave a fire unattended in the fireplace. If you are extra sleepy before bed, or if you are running late for an evening out, it can be tempting to leave the fire and let it die out on its own, but many house fires start this way, and it can put you and your family at serious risk.
It’s also important to burn only seasoned wood, as unseasoned wood, along with trash and other debris, can make your fires extra smokey and increase the amount of creosote in your flue. Well-seasoned wood is lightweight, darker in color, split at the ends, and gives off a musty odor. It should also make a hollow noise when smacked together.
Another important tip – open your damper! Proper airflow is vital for a well-functioning chimney, so be sure to check this step off your list before getting any flames going. It’s also important to schedule a sweeping to ensure any clogs or build-up is adequately removed. We can help with it all. Call on our CSIA certified crew today.
Have Your Appliances Inspected
Having home appliances professionally inspected can reduce your risk of experiencing any disasters, such as fires or gas leaks, and it will ensure you don’t face any major problems during these colder months of the year. As you can imagine, house fires can trigger thousands of dollars worth of damage, and smoke and carbon monoxide exposure can take a serious toll on your family’s health.
The best way to avoid disasters of this nature is to get your fireplace, dryer vents, and the like inspected as soon as possible. Need a hand? Our technicians can do a thorough overview of your system, then offer any follow-up services, as necessary, and we can inspect and clean your dryer vents, as well, minimizing the risk of experiencing a dryer fire significantly. We have the certifications, tools, training, and experience to set you up right, so call today!
Work With Our Experts Today
While there is a lot you can do yourself to prepare for winter, when it comes to your fireplace and chimney, the best course of action is always to trust a pro. One small issue can turn into a big problem in no time, and it takes a specially trained eye to know where to look and what to watch for. Do the right thing – get our experts in as soon as you can, so that you can light fires with the peace of mind that you deserve in the weeks ahead!
Why trust us? The experts at Clean Sweep of Anne Arundel County better themselves year after year by investing in educational opportunities, renewing their certifications, and always seeking ways to improve. Above all else, your satisfaction is what we strive for, and you can be we never cut corners or seek shortcuts. For the best in the area, there is simply nowhere better to turn. Call now to set up an appointment with our team.