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Is Your Chimney Up To Code?

As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to ensure that all parts of your house are protected and well-maintained for regular use. Owning a chimney is a desire held by many, but it does not come without a commitment to safety. There are multiple codes set into place by various organizations, all of which are instilled to keep people and homes free from the many hazards that will accompany a neglected fireplace. If you are not sure where your chimney stands in terms of safety codes and regulations, then today is the day to find out. By not meeting these, you put your home and family at risk.

Consult A Professional

By contacting a CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) professional today, you will take the first step in ensuring your home is safe. These experts are trained and educated on all chimney procedures and work hard to make sure that they have the knowledge to keep any home safe. To maintain certification, experts must attend training on a regular basis to stay up to date on consistently changing policies.

People who partake in this certification process take pride in knowing that they are capable of advising homeowners on maintaining safe and properly cared for chimneys. When business owners require this certification for their employees, they show that they are committed to providing the best service possible.

Chimney Cleaning & Inspection

One of the most important responsibilities involved in upholding an up-to-code fireplace is maintaining regular cleanings and inspections one to two times per year. Often, people will set these up right before and right after periods of more frequent burning. It is important to get this in before the holidays begin, especially if you are hosting any events. With more people in the house and fires being lit more frequently, ensuring that all safety measures are met is essential.

By getting your chimney professionally cleaned and inspected, you greatly reduce the risk of house fires and smoke backing up into your home. Creosote is highly flammable and, if too much accumulates, your home and chimney could suffer immensely. A professional will effectively remove this substance, using the correct techniques and chemicals, as well as dispose of any other objects that may be affecting your chimney, such as leaves or animal nests.

These inspections are also important because nothing can replace the insight and advice offered by an expert. A certified professional will know what to look out for and can advise on any potential hazards that should be fixed or replaced before any fires are started. Any small crack or seemingly minor flaw could be a cause for costly future repairs if not addressed right away.

Olde Town Chimney Sweeps can offer professional insight and ensure that your family is taken care of throughout the fast-approaching winter months. Our experts are CSIA certified and will work hard to make your chimney as safe and efficient as possible. Put your mind at ease and give a call today, 804-693-2859!

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!