Before Beverly’s summer humidity and storms hit, clear debris, check for cracks, and inspect the cap—simple steps that prevent costly repairs. But know the warning signs that mean it’s time to call a licensed sweep.
Clear debris and check the cap before Memorial Day
Use a sturdy ladder to inspect your chimney cap from the roof or with a helper on the ground. Remove leaves, pine needles, and bird nests that trap moisture and spark fires. Check the mesh screen for holes; replace it if torn. A blocked cap can push hot air back into your flue, raising cooling costs and stressing your AC. If you’re uncomfortable on a ladder, hire a pro—Beverly’s coastal winds make roofs slippery even in May. blog/dryer-vent-cleaning-beverly-ma-seasonal-prep-guide. Learn more about our full list of services.
Inspect the exterior for summer storm damage
Walk around your home and look for cracked bricks, missing mortar, or leaning sections near the chimney. Beverly’s nor’easters can loosen caps and crowns, letting rain seep into the flue. Use binoculars to spot gaps from the ground; if you see daylight through mortar joints, call a mason before summer humidity worsens the damage. blog/chimney-crown-cap-repair-beverly-ma. See request a free estimate / contact us.
Test the damper from inside before your first summer use
Close and open the damper lever while standing in the fireplace. It should move freely and seal tightly when closed. A stuck damper wastes cooled air and lets pests in. Lubricate the hinge with a dry graphite powder—never WD-40, which attracts dust. If the lever won’t budge or the seal feels loose, schedule a repair before your first summer fire. tips/beverly-chimney-appointment-prep. Explore about our team and credentials.
Warning signs that mean stop and call a professional
If you see white, chalky stains on bricks, it’s efflorescence—moisture damage that weakens masonry. Dark, tarry streaks on the flue liner signal creosote buildup, a fire hazard even in summer. A musty smell in the fireplace room means mold in the flue, which can spread spores indoors. Any of these warrant a Level II inspection by a certified sweep. blog/level-i-ii-iii-chimney-inspections-beverly-ma-what-each-leve. For details, see the areas we serve.
When to Call Andrew & Sons Chimney
If your chimney cap is cracked, the flue liner is damaged, or you smell smoke when the damper is closed, call us before summer peaks. We’ll perform a Level II inspection, clean creosote, and repair masonry to keep Beverly’s coastal humidity from causing bigger problems. contact or pricing. Serving Beverly and the North Shore—areas/.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do white stains on my Beverly chimney bricks mean after a winter of nor’easters?
White stains are efflorescence—moisture drawn out of bricks by salt in Beverly’s coastal air. It signals water is seeping into the masonry, which can crack during summer heat. A pro can seal the bricks and repair flashing to stop further damage.
Why does my Beverly fireplace smell like mildew even when it’s not used in summer?
A musty odor means mold or mildew is growing in the flue from trapped moisture. Beverly’s summer humidity worsens this issue, spreading spores into your home. A Level II inspection and flue cleaning will remove the source and restore fresh air.
Can I patch a small crack in my chimney crown myself with roofing cement before summer storms hit Beverly?
No—roofing cement isn’t rated for chimney crowns and can trap moisture, making cracks worse. Beverly’s freeze-thaw cycles will expand the damage. Call a licensed sweep to assess the crown and recommend a heat-resistant repair.