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Is Your Chimney Ready for Burning Season? A Late Summer Checklist for Baltimore Homeowners

  • Tom Burbridge
  • Jul 24
  • 3 min read
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Why Late Summer Is the Best Time to Prep Your Chimney

August in Baltimore still feels like summer—but fall is right around the corner. Before the cold sets in and you light that first fire, it’s critical to make sure your chimney is clean, safe, and winter-ready.


Avoiding this can lead to:

  • Blocked flues

  • Dangerous creosote buildup

  • Cold-weather leaks and drafts

  • Delays in scheduling repairs when chimney companies book up


Use this chimney maintenance checklist Baltimore homeowners rely on to stay ahead of the fall rush and enjoy peace of mind before burning season begins.


1. Schedule a Professional Chimney Inspection

Baltimore winters are no joke—and a chimney fire is the last thing you want.


A certified chimney technician will:

  • Check for cracks or masonry damage

  • Ensure proper drafting and flue integrity

  • Look for creosote buildup and animal nests

  • Test dampers and liners for functionality


Benchmark Chimney Services offers thorough inspections so you know exactly what’s going on behind the bricks.


Having this done now—before peak season—should be at the top of any chimney maintenance checklist in Baltimore.


2. Waterproof the Chimney Before Fall Rains Hit

Baltimore’s fall weather often brings heavy rain—and older brick chimneys soak up water like a sponge.


Be sure to:

  • Seal any mortar cracks

  • Apply a breathable waterproofing agent

  • Inspect chimney crowns and flashing for leaks


Including waterproofing in your chimney maintenance checklist Baltimore ensures your masonry stays protected through freeze-thaw cycles.


3. Sweep Away the Creosote

Even light creosote buildup can catch fire. A Level 1 chimney sweep removes:

  • Creosote and soot

  • Debris from animals or storms

  • Blockages that restrict airflow


If you haven’t had your chimney cleaned in the last year—or if you burn wood regularly—it’s time. A clean sweep is a core item on any Baltimore chimney maintenance checklist.


4. Test the Damper and Cap

Check the damper to make sure it opens and closes smoothly—it helps with both draft control and energy efficiency.


Also confirm your chimney cap is:

  • Securely attached

  • Free of rust or damage

  • Covered with mesh to keep birds and squirrels out


These small components can lead to big issues if neglected, which is why they’re featured on our chimney maintenance checklist for Baltimore homeowners.


5. Inspect the Fireplace and Firebox

Look inside the firebox for:

  • Loose or damaged firebricks

  • Signs of moisture or rust

  • Cracks in the masonry


This is your fire's front line—don’t ignore wear and tear that could let smoke or flames into surrounding walls. Every Baltimore chimney maintenance checklist should include a close look at this area.


Bonus Tip: Install or Check Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Every home with a fireplace or stove should have a working CO detector nearby. Fall is a great time to test or replace batteries.


A carbon monoxide detector is a small investment that offers huge protection—and it pairs perfectly with a thorough chimney maintenance checklist Baltimore residents can count on.


Don’t Wait Until It’s Cold to Fix a Warm-Weather Problem

Chimney appointments in Baltimore book up fast once temps drop in September and October. Late summer is your best shot at:

  • Getting ahead of major issues

  • Avoiding emergency repairs in cold weather

  • Having peace of mind before burning season begins


Let Benchmark Handle It

Whether you need a full inspection, cleaning, or masonry repair, Benchmark Chimney Services is Baltimore’s trusted partner in chimney safety.


Call now or book your inspection online to beat the fall rush and stay ahead with your chimney maintenance checklist Baltimore!


 
 
 

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