Winter Chimney Checklist for the Texas Hill Country

Before the first fire.

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You can check these yourself

Look at the chimney from the yardCheck that the cap is in place and the chimney stands straight. Look for crumbling mortar, cracked brick or stone, and plants growing from the top. Stay off the roof; binoculars work fine.
Look for nests and debrisA chimney that sits all summer is an easy home for birds, wasps and squirrels. Open the damper and shine a flashlight up the flue. If something’s up there, don’t pull it out yourself: chimney swifts are a protected bird, so let a pro handle it.
Work the damperOpen and close it a few times. It should move freely and seal when it’s shut. If it sticks or has rusted, mention it when you book.
Clean out the fireboxScoop old ash into a metal can with a lid and keep it outside, away from the house. Ashes can hold heat for days.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarmsPress the test button on each one and put in fresh batteries. You want a CO alarm outside the bedrooms and on every level of the house.
Stock up on seasoned firewoodBurn hardwood, like the oak that’s plentiful around here, that’s been split and dried for at least six months. Stack it off the ground and away from the house.
Clear the hearthKeep furniture, rugs, firewood and decorations at least three feet from the fireplace, and check that the screen or glass doors are in good shape.

Leave these to a pro

Get your yearly inspectionThe NFPA recommends one every year. Ours starts with a free Level 1, a visual check of the whole chimney, inside and out.
Sweep it if it needs itIf creosote has built up, a sweep clears it out before it can catch fire. If yours doesn’t need one, we’ll tell you straight.
Have the dryer vent checked tooLint builds up in a dryer vent the way creosote builds up in a chimney, and it’s a common cause of house fires.

Early fall is the easiest time to get on the schedule, before the first cold snap sends everyone to their fireplace.

Burn smart all season.

How you burn matters as much as how clean the chimney starts out.

Only burn firewood
No trash, cardboard, wrapping paper, or painted, stained or treated wood. They flare up, leave more buildup, or put chemicals into the air in your home.
Small and hot beats big and smoky
A fire that smolders leaves more creosote behind. Burn smaller loads with good airflow.
Mind the damper
Open it before you light the fire, and leave it open until the ashes are completely cold.
Never leave it alone
Put the fire out before bed or before you leave the house, and keep kids and pets back from the hearth.

Know the warning signs.

Signs of a chimney fire

A loud cracking or popping sound, a low roar like a train, dense smoke, or a strong, hot smell. If you think there’s a chimney fire, get everyone out of the house and call 911.

Call us if you notice

Smoke drifting back into the room instead of up the chimney
A strong campfire smell when the fireplace isn’t in use
Black flakes falling into the firebox
Water stains or damp spots around the fireplace or on the ceiling nearby

Good questions, plain answers.

How often should I have my chimney cleaned?

The National Fire Protection Association recommends an inspection every year. Your chimney vents hot, toxic gases and carbon monoxide out of your home, and temperatures inside can top 2,000°F. A yearly check makes sure it's doing that job safely.

What causes most chimney fires?

Creosote. It's a sticky, highly flammable byproduct of burning wood that builds up inside the flue. Burning unseasoned wood, restricting airflow, and cool flue temperatures all speed it up. Regular sweeping removes it before it becomes a hazard.

Do I need an inspection if I barely used the fireplace?

Yes. A chimney that sits unused can still be blocked by nests or debris, or damaged by a storm. The yearly inspection checks for that too, and Level 1 is free.

Let’s take a look at your chimney.

The quickest way to reach us is a text or a call. Prefer to write? Send a quick request and we'll get back to you during business hours.

Send a text

830-290-3120

Text or call, whichever's easier

Email: cleanasawhistle.sweep@gmail.com
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm

Get your chimney ready for winter.

Before the first fire.

You can check these yourself

Leave these to a pro

Burn smart all season.

Only burn firewood

Small and hot beats big and smoky

Mind the damper

Never leave it alone

Know the warning signs.

Signs of a chimney fire

Call us if you notice

Good questions, plain answers.

Let’s take a look at your chimney.