Chimney Sweep
Why is chimney sweeping important?
A chimney is basically the exhaust system for your fireplace. It keeps carbon monoxide and other dangerous gasses produced by a burning fire from taking over the air in your house. As these fumes rise to the colder parts of your chimney, they begin to solidify into a flammable composite called creosote. Creosote is the leading cause of chimney fires. During your fireplace’s off-season things may settle in your chimney, such as leaves or small animals. Regular sweepings will help your chimney function at its highest capacity while also reducing your risk of a chimney fire.
A chimney is basically the exhaust system for your fireplace. It keeps carbon monoxide and other dangerous gasses produced by a burning fire from taking over the air in your house. As these fumes rise to the colder parts of your chimney, they begin to solidify into a flammable composite called creosote. Creosote is the leading cause of chimney fires. During your fireplace’s off-season things may settle in your chimney, such as leaves or small animals. Regular sweepings will help your chimney function at its highest capacity while also reducing your risk of a chimney fire.
Is chimney sweeping expensive?
The short answer is no. A neglected chimney with years of buildup may cost you close to $1,000 while a well-maintained chimney will usually cost less than $300 to clean and with regular sweepings the cost can even go down from there. Give us a call today and we can go into more detail for your chimney.
The short answer is no. A neglected chimney with years of buildup may cost you close to $1,000 while a well-maintained chimney will usually cost less than $300 to clean and with regular sweepings the cost can even go down from there. Give us a call today and we can go into more detail for your chimney.
How can I tell that my chimney is due for a sweeping?
Here are some signs that may tell you that you need a chimney sweeping:
Here are some signs that may tell you that you need a chimney sweeping:
- Strong, chemical smell when burning a fire
- Sounds of animals scurrying around in your walls
- A greasy buildup when touching the inside of your chimney (with gloves on!)
- Fires keep going out before the wood is completely burned
- Your damper is hard to open or close
Why should I hire a professional to sweep my chimney?
A chimney professional has the knowledge and experience to get the job done safely and correctly. Chimney sweeping is rather messy and requires certain equipment to protect the chimney sweep, the client, and the home that the chimney is in. Along with avoiding the risk of falling off of your roof, saving the money needed to purchase the necessary equipment, you also skip the disappointment of missing a step and having to start over.
A chimney professional has the knowledge and experience to get the job done safely and correctly. Chimney sweeping is rather messy and requires certain equipment to protect the chimney sweep, the client, and the home that the chimney is in. Along with avoiding the risk of falling off of your roof, saving the money needed to purchase the necessary equipment, you also skip the disappointment of missing a step and having to start over.
What would I need to perform a chimney sweeping myself?
To clean your own chimney, you will need a few things, the most important of which are knowing what to look for and the physical ability to be able to endure the strenuous labor involved with the task. The basic tools required are a ladder, drop cloth, bucket, chimney brush, flashlight, duct or wide masking tape, a mirror, dust mask, eye protection/face shield, industrial shop-vac, and clothes/gloves you wouldn’t mind throwing away after use.
To clean your own chimney, you will need a few things, the most important of which are knowing what to look for and the physical ability to be able to endure the strenuous labor involved with the task. The basic tools required are a ladder, drop cloth, bucket, chimney brush, flashlight, duct or wide masking tape, a mirror, dust mask, eye protection/face shield, industrial shop-vac, and clothes/gloves you wouldn’t mind throwing away after use.