It is no secret that a fireplace often offers an idyllic image to most homeowners. When temperatures are low, the perfect spot to be is curled up in front of a fire with friends or family. Yet, a cozy night indoors can quickly go wrong if you are not taking the proper steps to keep your chimney safe for use. It is essential to get your chimney cleaned and inspected at least once per year to ensure that your home and family are staying safe.
Avoid Chimney Fires
Avoiding fires in the home and chimney is the main reason why a professional inspection is so important. When you use your chimney, creosote and other debris start to build up. The more often you use it, the more these substances will accumulate. Creosote is known for being highly flammable and the more there is, the higher your chances are of experiencing unwanted fires. An expert will know exactly where and what to clean, while using the proper chemicals to do so.
How you use your fireplace and how you burn your wood can also affect how quickly creosote builds up. The way air moves through a chimney has a lot to do with how efficient your fire will burn, which then affects debris accumulation. A professional will be able to ensure that air is running correctly through the chimney and can advise you on the right techniques to use to start and maintain a proper fire.
Avoid Structural Damages
Cracks and holes can quickly accumulate in a chimney, making everything run much less efficiently. They could lead to water damage, which will be cause for costly repairs in the future. It also leaves opportunity for smoke and debris to escape into your home, causing further damage to your possessions. On top of this, structural damage affects the look of your chimney and may eventually lead to discoloration, both of which lower the home’s overall value.
On a more serious note, failure to keep chimneys in proper condition can eventually lead to their collapse. If a chimney collapses, your entire home and surrounding homes will suffer, as the heavy brick falls and crashes into whatever is in its path. This could also cause serious injury to anyone nearby. Avoid costly repairs and medical bills by getting an inspection before it is too late.
Avoid Health Issues
When a chimney is not regularly maintained, smoke cannot escape properly. Having nowhere else to go, the smoke will back up into your home spreading possibly harmful toxins throughout the house. Not to mention, all of the excess dirt and debris build-up allows for more exposure to allergens. If you or a family member is already sensitive to these things, keeping a clean chimney is essential.
Olde Town Chimney Sweeps has all the tools you need for maintaining a safe and clean fireplace. Give our experts a call 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!
