Melbourne's chimney maintenance calendar runs to four phases: the pre-season preparation window in February to April, the active heating season from May through August, the post-season check in September and October, and the less-frequent structural items that prevent expensive repairs accumulating over years. This checklist covers all four, separating what you can do yourself from what needs a professional, and flagging the items most commonly missed.
Pre-Season Checklist (February–April)
This is the most important maintenance window. Everything done here means going into winter with a safe, clean, ready chimney rather than discovering problems mid-season.
✓ Book the professional clean and inspection. Do this in February or March at the latest. A Level 1 inspection and clean is the annual baseline for any working fireplace or wood heater — see chimney inspection levels explained for what each covers. April bookings still work but the rush starts; May is often too late for a prompt appointment.
✓ Confirm the cap is intact. Look from the ground if possible, or ask the technician to check and replace if corroded or displaced. See chimney caps types and installation.
✓ Arrange repairs from the inspection. If the inspection turns up a cracked crown, lifting flashing, or early liner wear, address it before May. Repair in autumn; use in winter.
✓ Source and store firewood. Buy properly seasoned hardwood early and store it under cover with airflow. Autumn firewood is often under-seasoned.
✓ Test your CO alarm. Press the test button. Replace if the alarm is more than 5 to 7 years old or fails the test. Fit one if you do not have one — see CO safety guide.
During-Season Checks (May–August)
Once the season is running, most of the maintenance is about burning well and staying alert to warning signs.
✓ Burn only properly seasoned wood. Below 20% moisture is the target. If the fire hisses, steams or smokes heavily, the wood is too wet — see how to light a fire correctly.
✓ Use the correct lighting technique. Top-down method, full airflow for the first 20 to 30 minutes, pre-warm a cold flue at season start. Good technique directly reduces creosote buildup.
✓ Watch for warning signs. Smoke in the room, unusual smells, a fire that will not draw, or dark staining around the firebox are signals to have the flue checked before continuing — see signs your chimney needs cleaning.
✓ High-use households: mid-season check. If the heater runs most nights, consider a mid-season inspection around July. Heavy use with any softwood or less-than-perfect seasoning can build creosote faster than expected.
Post-Season Tasks (September–October)
Once the heating season ends, a short post-season check prevents summer moisture damage accumulating undetected.
✓ Check for moisture entry. Look at ceilings and walls near the chimney breast for new damp patches or staining. Melbourne winters drive water into any weak point in crown, flashing or brickwork, and catching it early in spring prevents a season of compounding damage.
✓ Inspect the firebox and visible flue. With a torch, look for unusual buildup, debris, or evidence of animal activity. A flue that stayed clean all winter may still attract possums once the smell of smoke fades.
✓ Close and confirm the damper. Make sure it seals fully. A stuck-open damper lets summer heat escape upward and welcomes wildlife. A stuck-closed damper will cause problems at the start of next season.
✓ Consider waterproofing treatment. If the masonry is sound but showing its age, autumn and spring — when the chimney is dry — are the best times for a breathable water repellent treatment. See chimney waterproofing and leak prevention.
Every-5-Years Items
Some maintenance tasks are not annual jobs but should not be indefinitely deferred. Adding them on a 5-year cycle keeps ahead of structural deterioration.
Camera flue inspection. A standard visual inspection assesses what is visible; a camera inspection confirms liner condition, gaps and cracks that are invisible from the firebox. Worth scheduling every 5 years, or after any chimney fire — see inspection Level 2 explained. Breathable water repellent. Quality products last 5 to 10 years; reapplication protects brickwork through Melbourne's next wet cycle. Mortar joint assessment. Tuckpointing eroded joints before water gets in is far cheaper than repointing after it does — see tuckpointing explained. Crown and flashing detail inspection. Both have finite lifespans; a dedicated 5-year assessment catches early deterioration.