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!
