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Schedule A Chimney Inspection Today!

As the fall season progresses and the holidays start to approach, times become hectic for almost everyone. Between holiday shopping and planning for family visits, thinking about chimney maintenance is often not the first priority on anyone’s to-do list. Yet, if you have not scheduled an inspection for the year, getting that in before you start burning more frequently should be priority. It will ensure that your chimney is healthy and that your home is safe from potential fires.

Importance of Chimney Cleanings

Chimneys should be cleaned one to two times a year, depending on how frequently you use it. This step in chimney maintenance is important mainly due to the build-up of creosote. Creosote is highly flammable and the more one uses their chimney, the more this substance will accumulate. In the long run, the cost of a house fire will far outweigh the cost of a chimney cleaning. Not to mention, no price tag can be put on ensuring your family’s safety throughout the cold months.

Another reason to get your chimney cleaned is to ensure that no other debris, such as animal nests or leaves, are residing in places that could be hazardous. Birds, squirrels, and other outdoor creatures often see chimneys as a safe haven throughout cold months. This can end up doing your chimney a lot of harm, causing stress that is not necessary in an already busy time of year [http://www.csia.org/about-csia/faq.aspx].

Hire A Pro

While it is possible to clean a chimney on your own, hiring a professional is highly recommended. The parts of a chimney are complex and there is always more to look out for than a homeowner often realizes. Not to mention, many homeowners lack the appropriate tools and chemicals needed to do the job right. To ensure that no steps are missed and no cracks or corners are overlooked, hire a professional to get the job done appropriately.

On top of ensuring that your chimney is cleaned properly, a professional will be able to inspect for any issues that may cause your chimney to run less efficiently. Throughout the cleaning and inspection, the expert can note any cracks or needed repairs that should be addressed before burning season begins. They can also advise you on wood-burning tips and answer any questions you may have about keeping your chimney in great condition.

It is not too late to get that cleaning and inspection in and Olde Town Chimney Sweeps is ready for your call! Simply schedule an appointment and let us do the dirty work that can set your mind at ease. By calling today you can cross one of the many things off your holiday to-do list and ensure that nothing chimney related will be added to it in the months to come. Save yourself stress this holiday season and get your fireplace cleaned and inspected now!

Chimney Preparation for Winter

As cold weather approaches, one thing many homeowners can look forward to is putting their fireplace to good use, warming themselves and their families after long day s out in the cold. More than likely, your fireplace has not been used as frequently throughout the warmer months, so make sure you take the necessary precautions before burning again on a regular basis. Taking these steps will ensure that your chimney is in proper working order and that your family is safe throughout the season.

Get a Professional Inspection

One of the most stressed things in the chimney and fireplace world is the importance of regular cleanings and inspections done by professionals. There are always many do-it-yourself options for checking up on your chimney’s health, but codes are updated so regularly that having a certified expert come to your home is truly the safest option for your home and family. You never know what you may be missing or what hidden repairs will be necessary before the burning season, and not getting inspected will put both your home and family at an increased risk for harm.

Check Smoke Detectors

Make sure your home is equipped with both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and that they are located close to the fireplace. Regularly check the batteries on all of these devices and test them to ensure that they are in proper working order. With more frequent fireplace use and a lower likelihood of proper ventilation (as many close doors and windows throughout the winter months), these devices help to ensure that the air in your home is clean and not damaging your family’s health and well-being.

Plan for Bad Weather

Fireplaces places offer a great back-up for when the lights go out and the heat is not working due to the nasty winter weather outdoors. With colder months soon approaching, have a plan laid out for when this weather hits and be sure to regularly check up on the weather forecast so that you are adequately prepared.

Consider buying a log holder that you can place directly next to your fireplace, in case you need to get a fire going quickly. Also, ensuring that you have all of the proper tools needed to start and maintain a strong fire through any winter storm will make your life easier in the long run, as well as ensure that your home is properly heated when electricity is not an option.

Stock Up On Fuel

Part of being prepared for the winter months is making sure that your fuel supply is well-kept and properly stocked ahead of time. You will want to check that any wood you are using is properly seasoned and has been dried out for at least six months, to ensure easy burning. Look for something light weight, darker, and split when picking out wood.

Call the certified professionals at Olde Town Chimney Sweeps (804-693-2859) today to get inspected and allow yourself peace of mind before the cold weather hits.