While you may not typically think about having your chimney swept until right before a new cold weather season starts, allowing creosote deposits to remain could create an odor issue during the summer. For best results, you may want to consider having us sweep your chimney in the spring if you’ve burnt a lot of wood over the winter.
In the long run, not have your chimney cleaned on a regular basis can put you at risk in several different ways. The buildup of creosote on the inner part of the chimney wall can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning and/or a chimney fire.
Did you know that birds, squirrels, and even raccoons tend to build nests and add debris to chimneys? This can obstruct the flow of air and cause fumes or smoke to stay in the fireplace or come out of the wrong area.
In the 17th century, chimney sweeps would actually employ small boys to climb up the chimneys and clean them. The cleaning process involved brushing the inside of the flue and then using metal scrapers to remove the harder tar deposits.
If you’re like many homeowners, you’re not a huge fan of home maintenance tasks that require you to climb up on the roof for any length of time. Rest assured that we’re always available to take care of your chimney-sweeping needs, so that you can keep both feet safely on the ground.
Landscaping enhances the curb appeal of your home, but maintaining a shrub and tree free zone around your chimney is a good idea, especially if you live in an area that experiences drought conditions part of the year.
Did you know that water can be a chimney's worst enemy? In fact, chimney leaks can cause more damage to masonry chimneys than fire. Chimneys are particularly vulnerable to moisture, as they are constantly exposed to rain, snow, wind, and the freeze and thaw cycles of winter.
White stains that appear on the brick of the chimney are a common problem. These are usually caused by water penetration during a rain or snowstorm. When the water dries, it leaves behind minerals. A chimney professional can clean the brick and seal cracks so this doesn't occur.
Chimney liners come in three main types: clay tiles, metal, and cast-in-place liners. While clay tiles are inexpensive and readily available, metal and cast-in-place liners are typically used to upgrade and/or repair existing chimneys.
If you've had a chimney fire or have a chimney that hasn't been maintained properly, it's likely that you'll need a new chimney liner before you can safely use your fireplace. Professional chimney sweeps can tell you if your chimney needs to be relined, and many are also certified to install the new liner themselves.
While the risk of fire is certainly reason enough to have your chimney regularly swept, the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning can be even worse. This insidious gas can seep into your home and make your family sick with very little indication that it’s too blame.
One of the main advantages of using a chimney cap is that it prevents animals from climbing into your chimney and building nests, which can block air and smoke from leaving your chimney as it should.
Legend has it that, in 1066, a chimney sweep pushed King William of Britain out of the path of a runaway carriage. William declared sweeps to be lucky and in gratitude, he granted them the right to wear top hats, a privilege reserved for the gentry.
If you’ve recently moved into a home with fireplace, you won’t always be able to tell at a glance how well the previous homeowner cared for it. Remember, having a pro come out to clean it before you light your first fire is the best way to keep your family safe.
In addition to how dangerous it can be for a homeowner to work up on his or her roof, the physical labor involved in cleaning a chimney can be quite a bit more grueling than most people anticipate. Whether you lack the time or desire to deal with your chimney yourself, we’re always here for you.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, chimneys, fireplaces, and vents should be inspected at least once a year for soundness, the collection of deposits, and correct clearances. At that time, cleaning, maintenance, and repairs should be done as well.
When it comes to setting a schedule for having your chimney swept, it’s wise to consider your overall fireplace usage. While the typical homeowner may only have to have theirs swept once or twice a year, you could benefit from more frequent cleanings.
Chimney and fireplace should be inspected by a certified chimney sweep service on a regular basis. In fact, recommendations from the National Fire Protection Association state that you should have your chimney inspected and cleaned annually to avoid any potential fires.
The US Department of Energy shows that a fireplace that isn't maintained can lose as much as half of its heat-transfer efficiency with only a fraction of an inch of soot in your fireplace and chimney.
The choice of who to hire to clean, service, or inspect your chimney shouldn't be taken lightly. Fires and carbon monoxide poisoning are just two of the dangers if you try to use a chimney that isn't in good working order, so it's important to hire a professional with experience.
To ensure safe fireplace conditions, chimney inspection, cleaning, and maintenance should be performed at least once a year. A fireplace and chimney that hasn’t been well-maintained can result in smoke filling your home and general unsafe conditions.
Adding a direct-vent gas insert to your fireplace is a great way to make it more functional. A fireplace insert uses outside air for combustion, which means the room does not lose any air.
Until the late 1800s, children were often used to climb through the chimneys to dislodge soot and creosote in many countries. They would push the broom up ahead of them and then slide down. It was dangerous and finally abolished.
The Chimney Safety Institute of America states that "chimney sweeping logs" sold at hardware stores have not been proven to be effective and are not a substitute for cleaning and inspection by a professional chimney sweep.
Gas fuel creates much less creosote buildup requiring less cleaning, but the chimney can fail in other ways so it is important to have a professional chimney sweep inspect and clean your system to keep your home safe from carbon monoxide.
Did you know that the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that you schedule a professional cleaning and inspection of your chimney on a yearly basis? This can significantly reduce your risk for a devastating chimney fire.
Proper storage of firewood can lead to a cleaner and safer chimney. Burning wet or green wood in your fireplace can lead to increased levels of creosote in your fireplace.