Chimney Cleaning
By Robert Robillard on Home Maintenance
Photo: chestnuthillchimney.com
Fireplace Safety
If you have a fireplace, make sure you schedule a chimney cleaning and have you chimney and fireplace checked out by a professional chimney cleaner before starting the first fire.
Chimney Fires – Good To Know!
Chimney fires are a reality and hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage every year.
Indication that you may have a chimney fire can often be seen because of a lot of dense smoke and a loud popping or cracking sound.
Anytime you hear or experience this extinguish the fire, call 911 and get everyone out of the house.
How Often Should You Clean / Inspect?
All chimneys should be checked out at least once a year prior to use to look for any damage and to have it cleaned. This maintenance will prevent possible chimney fires.
What Does A Chimney Sweep Do?
Professional Chimney Sweeps inspect chimneys, clean chimneys, do minor repairs, and also reline chimneys.
Some sweeps also do restoration work, masonry, chimney and fireplace building, and installation of wood and gas burning appliances.
The level of professionalism in this industry has risen dramatically in the past 25 years of chimney sweeping in the United States. Sweeps have the proper training, know the current codes, latest methods and equipment, and current standards in the industry.
Why Use A Chimney Sweep?
All appliances that burn fuel must use a chimney or venting system, and all these systems need to be checked annually. The general public does not have the expertise, proper equipment, or training to do the job right or identify potential hazardous problems with the chimney system.
Improper installation or inadequate cleaning of the vent system can reduce the appliance efficiency and waste fuel, and present potential danger from fire, carbon monoxide poisoning and damage to your home caused by improper sizing of flues to appliances, improper use of appliances, or outdoor weather damages.
The following appliance venting systems should be checked annually and cleaned as necessary:
- Fireplaces (wood and gas)
- Gas, wood, and coal burning furnaces
- Gas logs and gas coal baskets
- Wood burning stoves and fireplace inserts
- Gas burning stoves and fireplace inserts
- Boiler systems