With Morrow’s first cold snaps here, now’s the time to check your chimney before creosote hardens or leaks worsen. A quick sweep and inspection could save you from a chimney fire or costly repairs this winter. Our certified crew covers Morrow and nearby towns, book before demand spikes.
3 Things Morrow Homeowners Should Check Before Lighting the Fireplace
Start with a visual inspection of your chimney’s exterior. Look for cracked bricks near the roofline, common in Morrow’s older homes, or rust around the cap, which signals water damage. Inside, check for sooty buildup on the smoke shelf or a strong, smoky smell when lighting the fireplace. If you spot any of these, schedule a sweep before creosote turns into a fire hazard. Our team also recommends a Level 2 inspection if your chimney hasn’t been checked since last winter or if you’ve noticed drafts in your living room. Morrow’s humidity can accelerate wear, so don’t wait until the first freeze.
Is Now the Right Time to Clean Your Chimney, or Should You Wait for Winter’s First Fire?
Ideally, you should sweep before your first heavy use, but if you’ve already burned wood this fall, a sweep is still critical. Creosote hardens when cold, making removal harder, and more expensive. For Morrow homes with wood-burning fireplaces, we recommend sweeping at least twice a year: once in late fall and again in spring. Gas fireplaces need annual checks too, especially if you’ve noticed yellow flames or soot on walls. Pro tip: If your chimney hasn’t been swept in over a year, book a Level 1 sweep now, it’s the safest way to start the season. Our crew serves Morrow and surrounding areas like Jonesboro and Stockbridge, so you’re never far from a certified sweep.