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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 Cleaning Logs Should Not Replace Your Yearly Cleaning

When one is first introduced to the concept of chimney cleaning logs, they seem like the most convenient and inexpensive way to go. You burn the log, just as would a normal fire, and do not need to worry about the hassle and cost of a yearly inspection. As with most things that seem too good to be true, chimney cleanings logs are not an easy way out of an inconvenient task. That yearly cleaning and inspection is still vital to maintaining chimney health and ensuring that all aspects of your chimney are safe for use.

Tackling Creosote

The physical task of thoroughly cleaning a chimney simply cannot be matched with a chimney cleaning log. The removal of creosote is vital to the longevity of your chimney and the safety as your home, as it is an extremely flammable substance. While the logs may loosen the creosote in the chimney, allowing it to flake off, that still leaves the substance with nowhere to go expect back into your fire or resting in the bottom of your fireplace. Both of these locations will provide hazards, increasing the danger you and your family are exposed to.

A professional chimney sweep will remove creosote from your chimney and dispose of it properly, along with any other types of debris they might find, such as soot and animal nests. The logs also do not account for creosote that has built up more extensively. These situations require different tactics, which should be approached by a knowledgeable professional.

Professional Insight

Nothing will replace the professional insight you gain from yearly chimney inspections. A log cannot tell you if something obscure is obstructing airflow through your chimney or if there are structural issues that should be addressed. Having someone regularly check to ensure your chimney is safe and up-to-code is one of the most important aspects of being a responsible homeowner. By neglecting this step, you are putting your home and family at risk.

Trust the Experts

The CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) states that “regular chimney inspections are always recommended.” They claim no opposition to the general use of chimney cleaning logs, but say that they definitely should not serve as a replacement for a yearly cleaning. They support the notion that inspections, cleaning, and repairs should all be done by a certified chimney professional to ensure the safety of one’s home and family.

To maintain proper fire safety, follow these guidelines:

– Get a professional cleaning and inspection done at least once per year .
– Buy smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure that you and your family will be warned of any hazardous elements that enter your home. Regularly check the batteries and ascertain that they are up-to-code.
– Make sure that your family is educated on proper procedures and escape routes, should a fire ever start inside of your home.
– Burn properly by using seasoned wood and only burn fuel appropriate to your fireplace.

Olde Town Chimney Sweeps is a professionally certified chimney service company who can clean your chimney and offer solutions for other chimney and fireplace issues. If you live in and around the Middle Peninsula and Gloucester, VA areas, give Olde Town Chimney Sweeps a call at 804-693-2859.