Common Questions About Chimney Cleaning
The chimney is an essential ventilation structure whose primary function is to vent hazardous combustion gasses produced in a fireplace, like carbon monoxide, away from our living space. A properly functioning and well-maintained chimney is vital for home safety. Chimney cleaning is an essential chore that does not usually make it to the top of a homeowner's cleaning routine. Avoiding or delaying chimney inspection and cleaning can lead to expensive issues.
When it comes to chimney cleaning, homeowners are often unclear about the what, how, and why. In this post, we address the common questions concerning the process.
Purpose of chimney cleaning
A key reason to keep the chimney clean is to ensure family and home safety. The interior walls of the chimney accumulate dirt, debris, and various other contaminants and flammable deposits, including soot and creosote. Creosote is a thick and oily residue of wood-burning fireplaces that sticks to the chimney walls and is flammable. When not removed regularly, the build-up of the deposits can damage the chimney and lead to chimney fires, which is among the leading cause of house fires in winters.
Chimney cleaning frequency
Homeowners wonder about how often they should have their chimneys cleaned. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 211 recommends annual chimney cleaning and maintenance by a Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) certified chimney sweep to keep it clean and safe. Chimneys that see heavy use can benefit from more frequent cleanings. Preventative chimney cleaning and maintenance goes a long way in ensuring that the system works efficiently and reduces fire risk.
Chimney cleaning process
Professional chimney sweeps clean the chimney from top to bottom to remove debris, soot, and creosote. The process also includes cleaning smoke ducts, fireboxes, pipes, and flue liners. Professionals also perform a thorough inspection to look for damages, trapped animals, and other repair needs.
Best time for chimney cleaning
While it is possible to clean the chimney any time of the year, experts advise not to delay scheduling the chimney cleaning later than early fall. To avoid peak season rush and high prices, homeowners can call a chimney cleaning service during the warmer months. The idea is to ensure the chimney is in perfect shape well ahead of the burning season.
Length of time for chimney cleaning
Usually, the chimney cleaning process takes around an hour. However, the duration of the sweep can increase depending on the level of inspection and cleaning required.
Is the chimney cleaning process messy?
DIY chimney cleaning can get messy. However, a certified chimney sweep uses drop cloths and a powerful vacuum to ensure that the flooring and air remain clean and dirt-free during the entire process.
Reasons to hire a professional chimney cleaning service
While DIY chimney cleaning is possible and can save some money, experts advise against it. An average homeowner lacks the expertise and equipment required for proper cleaning and inspection. A qualified chimney sweep is trained and experienced in cleaning the chimney safely and thoroughly inspecting it for issues to ensure safety. In addition, they have the proper tools and safety gear to scrape, clean, or disinfect surfaces.
Contact a professional chimney sweeping service company if your chimney needs cleaning and maintenance.
Sweeps N Ladders is a North Texas chimney and roofing repair service providing chimney & fireplace restorations, brick and mortar restoration, chimney caps, chase covers, and more. We provide fireplace inspection and repair, fireplace remodeling, chimney inspection and sweeping, and dryer vent cleaning. We are locally owned and operated family business and are licensed, bonded, and insured. Call us today at 469-812-5662.