Greetings, neighbors! From the charming historic homes near the tracks to the newer neighborhoods branching off Route 54, one thing is constant in Ashland: our love for a cozy fire when the Virginia weather turns chilly. As your local chimney expert, I want to share some safety tips tailored specifically for our homes here in the "Center of the Universe."
First, let's talk about Virginia's unique climate. Our hot, humid summers followed by winters with unpredictable freeze-thaw cycles are incredibly tough on your chimney's masonry. All summer long, moisture from the humid air soaks into your bricks and mortar. When a winter cold snap hits, that trapped water freezes, expands, and can literally pop the face off a brick—a problem called spalling. This is why you see so many local chimneys with crumbling mortar joints.
Ashland Tip #1: Before the burning season begins, walk around your house and look for any visible cracks in the mortar or damaged bricks on your chimney stack. Consider having a professional apply a specialized water repellent to your chimney's exterior. It's a small investment that can prevent major, costly masonry repairs down the road.
Next up: unwanted guests. When your chimney sits unused during our long spring and summer, it becomes prime real estate for wildlife. We get countless calls about squirrels, raccoons, and birds nesting inside Ashland chimneys. We particularly see a lot of Chimney Swifts, a migratory bird that is federally protected. While they are fascinating creatures, their nests are made of highly flammable twigs and debris that can cause a dangerous blockage.
Ashland Tip #2: The single most effective way to prevent this is with a professionally installed chimney cap. A good cap has mesh siding that keeps critters and leaves out, while a solid top protects your flue from rain and snow. It’s an essential piece of equipment for every Ashland home.
Our town's wonderful mix of architecture also presents unique chimney needs. If you live in one of the beautiful historic Victorian or Craftsman homes near Randolph-Macon College, your chimney likely has an old clay tile liner, or possibly no liner at all. Over the years, these liners crack and deteriorate, creating a serious fire hazard by allowing intense heat to reach the home's wooden framework. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) mandates that all chimneys venting solid fuel appliances have a sound liner.
Ashland Tip #3: For any older home, a Level 2 video inspection is a must. This allows a technician to see the entire interior of your flue and confirm your liner is safe and up to code. It's a critical safety check when buying or selling a historic Ashland property.
Protecting your home starts with a safe, well-maintained chimney. An annual inspection and cleaning aren't just suggestions; they are your best defense against chimney fires and carbon monoxide intrusion. Stay safe and warm this season, Ashland!