To ensure your fireplace use is efficient and safe, the chimney has to be free of any impurities. When a chimney is filled with creosote, soot or other debris, it poses serious risk of fire and poor air flow.
Although some light cleaning can be done by owners, there are certain warning signs that suggest that it is time to use the services of a professional chimney sweep. When deciding how to clean your chimney, here is a list of things to look out for:
Excessive Creosote Buildup
Creosote, a residue produced when burning wood, becomes an insulative layer around the chimney over time. This substance, which is extremely thick, black, and sticky, can also become very combustible.
If you can see more than 1/8 inch of thick creosote inside the chimney, a professional cleaning is a must. Professional sweeps have wire brushes and vacuums that help in getting it out, helping to prevent chimney fires.
Smoke Backing into the House
When smoke starts coming back into your house and not leaving through the chimney as it is supposed to, you have a blockage on the flue. The blockage might be due to animal nests, creosote, leaves or any debris.
Any such obstruction can be corrected by a professional sweep, redirecting the smoke and soot to flow properly. To avoid further build up of debris, a chimney cap can also be installed.
Soot Falling into the Fireplace
If you see soot collecting, especially loose soot in the chimney, then your chimney needs serious repair. Soot is a potential health hazard as it can make the air of the house unsafe. Less air means the fireplace may be burning inefficiently.
In addition to this, it increases the chances of carbon dioxide poisoning. A powered sweep will deep clean the area and look for other areas of the chimney that may be allowing large quantities of soot to drop in.
Bad Smells Coming from the Fireplace
Chimneys that have not been used for some time may emit unpleasant smells whenever there is moisture in the air. The odor is often associated with combination of water, soot and creosote.
If there is a musty smell coming from the chimney, be sure that it is time to clean it. Trained experts who know how to clean your chimney utilize effective industrial machinery to get rid of the root causes of the issue.
The Professionals Know How to Clean Your Chimney Properly
Even if some homeowners try to clean chimneys on their own, chimney sweeps are far more effective in doing such work. Specialists have the appropriate equipment, are trained to identify potential risks, and are well versed in providing maintenance that allows the chimney to serve for longer periods.
The safest and most effective way of maintaining a chimney is to have it examined at least once a year by a qualified professional. If you take these signs seriously and act in a proper timeframe, you can expect your fireplace to perform correctly all throughout the season.
