Chimney Maintenance Checklist for Holiday Fire Safety

Few things feel more like the holidays in Wisconsin than a warm, crackling fireplace. But while fireplaces add comfort and charm, they also demand proper care. Neglected chimneys are one of the leading causes of house fires during the winter months—especially around the holidays when fireplaces are used more often.

At Bollerud & Sons Masonry, we help homeowners in Milton and surrounding communities keep their chimneys safe, sound, and ready for winter. Below is a practical chimney maintenance checklist, based on widely accepted fireplace safety best practices, to help protect your home and family during the holiday season.

1. Schedule a Professional Chimney Inspection

Before lighting your first fire of the season, your chimney should be inspected.

A professional inspection checks for:

• Creosote buildup
• Cracked or deteriorating flue liners
• Loose or damaged masonry
• Blockages from nests, debris, or animals

Even chimneys that “seem fine” can hide serious safety issues.

2. Clean Out Creosote Buildup

Creosote is a highly flammable byproduct of burning wood. Over time, it coats the inside of your chimney.

Why this matters:

• Creosote buildup significantly increases fire risk
• Thick deposits can ignite and cause chimney fires
• Cleaning improves draft and fireplace performance

Regular cleaning is one of the most important fire-prevention steps you can take.

3. Check the Chimney Cap

A chimney cap plays a bigger role than most homeowners realize.

It helps:

• Keep sparks from escaping
• Prevent animals and debris from entering
• Reduce moisture intrusion
• Protect masonry from freeze–thaw damage

If your chimney cap is missing, damaged, or improperly sized, it should be repaired or replaced before winter.

4. Inspect Masonry for Cracks and Damage

Wisconsin’s freeze–thaw cycles are hard on brick and mortar.

Look for:

• Cracked or crumbling mortar joints
• Spalling (flaking brick surfaces)
• Loose bricks or stones

Small masonry issues can worsen quickly in winter, allowing moisture inside the chimney system and compromising safety.

5. Examine the Damper and Firebox

Inside the fireplace, key components should function properly.

• The damper should open and close smoothly
• The firebox should be free of cracks or missing mortar
• Metal components should not show excessive rust or warping

These parts control airflow and heat containment—both critical for safe operation.

6. Burn the Right Wood the Right Way

What you burn matters.

For safer fires:

• Use only dry, seasoned hardwood
• Avoid burning trash, cardboard, or treated wood
• Never overload the firebox

Proper burning reduces creosote buildup and improves efficiency.

7. Address Repairs Before the Holidays

Chimney problems rarely fix themselves—and winter weather only makes them worse.

Timely repairs:

• Improve fire safety
• Protect your home’s structure
• Extend the life of your chimney
• Prevent costly emergency repairs later

Masonry repairs are most effective when handled before damage spreads.

A Safer Holiday Season Starts at the Chimney

Your fireplace should bring warmth and peace of mind—not risk. Regular maintenance and professional masonry care are essential parts of responsible homeownership, especially during the holiday season.

Bollerud & Sons Masonry proudly serves Milton, Wisconsin, providing expert chimney inspections, masonry repairs, and restoration services. When it comes to holiday fire safety, preparation makes all the difference.