Your fireplace might be off for the season, but your chimney? Still working behind the scenes. And summer is the best time to give it the care it needs.
The warm months offer clear skies, flexible scheduling, and the perfect conditions for inspections, repairs, and upgrades. It’s also when chimney professionals aren’t fully booked, so you’re not competing with last-minute fall appointments.
More importantly, it’s your chance to spot early signs of wear. Like cracked bricks. Clogged flues. Or outdated parts that could use a serious upgrade.
If your system is older or showing signs of rust or inefficiency, it might be time to step up to something better—like a Selkirk chimney pipe. Known for its long-lasting durability, high heat tolerance, and precision fit, it’s a smart investment for homeowners who want a safer, more efficient setup.
In other words? Now’s the time to get ahead of chimney problems before they cost you. Here’s what to check, clean, and fix while the sun’s still shining.
What Can You Do for Your Chimney in the Summer?
Schedule a Professional Chimney Inspection
Start with the basics. An annual inspection gives you a full-picture view of your chimney’s condition. Certified sweeps know how to spot early signs of trouble—issues the untrained eye would miss.
These include:
- Creosote buildup that could lead to chimney fires
- Cracks or damage in the flue
- Bird or rodent nests that block ventilation
- Leaky flashing or brickwork starting to crumble
Scheduling in summer also means you get ahead of the fall rush. You’ll have more flexibility with appointments and more time to plan repairs, if needed, before cold weather arrives.
Conduct a Thorough Chimney Cleaning
Inspections and cleanings often go hand-in-hand. If your sweep finds a buildup of soot or creosote, they’ll likely recommend a deep clean.
Why it matters:
- Creosote is highly flammable and a common cause of chimney fires
- Excess buildup can restrict airflow, reducing your fireplace’s efficiency
- A clean chimney just smells better, especially in hot weather
Whether you use your fireplace regularly or occasionally, cleaning it once a year is the safest move. And doing it in the summer gives you a fresh start for the heating season ahead.
Examine and Repair Masonry and Flashing
Masonry problems might not seem urgent—until they are. Cracks in your chimney’s brickwork or mortar joints can let in moisture. And once water gets in, things can go downhill fast.
What to check for:
- Loose or missing bricks
- Flaking mortar (also called spalling)
- White stains on the brick (a sign of moisture exposure)
- Rusty or lifted flashing where the chimney meets the roof
Flashings should sit snugly and direct water away from the chimney base. If they’re damaged, leaks can show up in your attic or ceiling. Summer is the perfect time to reseal or rebuild before storm season hits.
Install or Inspect a Chimney Cap
A chimney cap is one of the smallest upgrades you can make—and one of the most effective. It covers the top of your chimney to keep out animals, rain, and leaves.
In summer, birds and critters often look for cool, dark places to nest. And your chimney? It’s prime real estate if left unguarded.
Check your existing cap for:
- Rust or corrosion
- Loose mesh or missing screws
- Bent edges or holes
If you don’t have a cap, now’s the time to install one. It keeps out water, improves draft efficiency, and stops unexpected guests from moving in.
Seal and Waterproof the Chimney Exterior
Your chimney is constantly exposed to the elements. Sun. Rain. Humidity. Over time, that exposure breaks down the materials.
Sealing the brickwork with a breathable waterproofing agent helps lock out water while letting trapped moisture escape. That’s key. Trapped water can freeze in winter and crack your bricks from the inside out.
Waterproofing is usually a once-every-few-years job, but it pays off long-term. Less erosion. Less mold. Fewer repairs.
Close and Inspect the Damper
During winter, the damper lets smoke out. In summer, it should be shut tight. An open or faulty damper lets hot, humid air flow into your house—and cool, conditioned air leak out.
Give it a test:
- Open and close it to check for smooth operation
- Look for gaps or rusted edges
- Use a flashlight to inspect the seal
A properly working damper keeps pests, odors, and weather outside where they belong. If it’s warped or hard to move, consider a replacement before the next cold snap.
Clear Out Ashes and Debris from the Firebox
Don’t let last winter’s ash sit there collecting dust. It holds moisture, creates odors, and can even corrode your firebox lining over time.
Steps to clean it out:
- Use a metal scoop or shovel to remove the bulk
- Vacuum remaining debris (use a shop vac with a filter)
- Wipe the inside walls with a damp cloth
While you’re there, inspect the firebox for signs of wear. Loose bricks? Discoloration? That’s worth bringing up during your chimney checkup.
Check and Replace the Chimney Liner if Necessary
The chimney liner acts as a barrier between hot gases and your home’s structure. If it’s damaged, heat and smoke can escape into walls or attics.
There are several types of liners—clay tile, metal, or cast-in-place. Summer is the best time to assess their condition.
Warning signs to watch for:
- Crumbling or missing tiles (in clay liners)
- Rust, dents, or holes in metal liners
- Increased smoke inside the home during last winter’s use
If your liner is aging or showing damage, it’s not something to delay. A compromised liner can lead to significant safety issues.
Monitor for Unpleasant Odors
Hot weather can bring out the worst in your chimney—literally. If you notice smoky or musty smells wafting through your home, it’s time to investigate.
Common causes:
- Leftover creosote or ash
- Dampness from rain or high humidity
- Dead animals or nesting debris
- Negative air pressure pulling odors into your house
Keep the damper closed, use deodorizing chimney products if needed, and most importantly, get it checked if the smell doesn’t go away. It’s often a sign of deeper issues.
Plan Ahead: Schedule Fall Maintenance Early
You don’t want to be the 49th person in line come October. That’s when homeowners remember their fireplace exists—and chimney sweeps get booked solid.
Use summer to your advantage. Even if you’re not lighting a fire for months, get your fall maintenance scheduled now. If your inspection revealed minor repairs, you’ll have time to handle them properly.
Planning ahead means:
- No last-minute service delays
- A safer start to your burning season
- Peace of mind heading into colder months
Smart maintenance now means fewer surprises later.
Small Fixes Now, Big Savings Later
Your chimney does a lot for your home. It manages heat, smoke, and airflow. It protects against moisture. It adds comfort—and yes, even resale value.
But only when it’s working the way it should.
Summer chimney maintenance isn’t just a chore. It’s a smart move. It keeps your system efficient, your home safer, and your winter stress-free.
So check it. Clean it. Seal it. And if something’s off, get it fixed now—not when the snow is falling.
Your chimney—and your future self—will thank you for it!
