Why Regular Chimney Cleaning is Essential for Home Safety

There are many reasons to be concerned about a chimney fire. Whether it is from the accumulation of creosote or a blockage from nest debris, there is reason to be aware. Creosote is a thick, tar-like substance that is produced from burning wood. Over time, it accumulates on the inside of the chimney liner, firebox, and damper. This creosote is highly combustible. Heat produced from a fire in the fireplace can easily start the creosote on fire. If there is a fire, you will hear a crackling sound within the chimney shaft. During the course of the year, especially during the summer, small animals find their way into your chimney. They bring in twigs and leaves to build nests. All this can be quite flammable and needs to be removed.

Why Schedule a Cleaning?

• Prevent chimney fires. As mentioned earlier, the collection of creosote and any obstruction will be cleared out with a chimney sweep.
• Reduce Toxic Gases such as Carbon Monoxide. A blockage can be the cause of improper airflow. This can lead to Carbon Monoxide poisoning. Routine chimney inspections ensure the chimney flue and smoke liner remain clear, reducing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Detect damage early. Over time, the chimney ages, causing cracks in the masonry, chimney caps, and crown, leading to structural damage.
• Enhance ventilation and heating performance. A blocked or damaged chimney liner reduces efficiency and increases the risk of smoke leakage inside the home. Cleaning out the chimney will avoid this.
• Protects against water damage. If water gets into your chimney, mold and mildew will grow. Water damage can lead to structural damage.

How Often Should a Chimney be Cleaned?

Professional chimney inspectors and sweeps suggest having your chimney cleaned and inspected on a regular yearly basis. Insurance companies may not cover damage if you are not contracting a chimney company to perform an inspection and cleaning annually. Check with your insurance company. 

What Can I Do?

There are a few general maintenance and usage practices that can help you keep your fireplace and chimney clean.

• Clean ash out of the firebox after the coals have cooled.
• Burn seasoned wood. It is proven that seasoned wood helps slow the process of creosote buildup.
• Burn hardwood such as oak, hickory, or maple. Hardwood burns hotter, which will aid in the process of a clean chimney.
• The damper should be opened completely when starting your fire. You may adjust the damper once the fire is established.
• Avoid burning pressure-treated wood, which may emit toxic gases.
• Build your fire with larger logs on the bottom, followed by small kindling and newspaper. 
• Schedule your annual chimney sweep and inspection.

Chimney Solutions strives to bring the highest level of professional and technical expertise to our service area. The rewards of protection of property and life, health and safety, as well as the education of ourselves, our customers, and others, fuel our quest for excellence. Though we offer premium brand-name chimney supplies, we also have our very own metal shop for custom-made caps and shrouds.