A professional chimney sweep will be able to identify issues that a do-it-yourselfer can’t see. They are trained to spot problems such as animal nests, blockages, and creosote buildup that can lead to chimney fires. Click the Website to learn more.
Chimney sweeps were once small boys of five or more years old, sold into the trade by their impoverished families. Their plight was explored in literature and popular culture, drawing attention to the brutal practice.
The number one reason for a chimney fire is a dirty chimney, and if you’re planning on lighting that first winter fire, it’s imperative to have your chimney cleaned by an experienced and certified chimney sweep. A dirty chimney is a major fire hazard that can damage your home’s structure and spread fire and smoke to combustible areas such as walls, ceilings, and attics.
A professional chimney sweep can also help to prevent a fire from starting by examining and repairing the fireplace, chimney, and flue system to ensure that it is in good condition for safe operation. A sweep can also make recommendations on how to maintain your chimney and fireplace to avoid fire hazards in the future, including installing new or replacing damaged fireplace linings.
Chimney sweeps will use their tools and equipment to remove the creosote buildup from inside your chimney, which is a toxic substance that clogs your fireplace and can even poison you if it gets into your home. They may also clean out the fireplace grate, and clean any obstructions in the hearth such as toys, animals’ nests and other debris. They will also sweep and vacuum the chimney to remove any residue that has collected inside.
Many chimney sweeping services are not licensed and insured, but chimney professionals must be registered with the local government for work performed on chimneys in homes. They must also be members of the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG), and should be certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). These credentials should be displayed on their business cards and vehicles, as well as on the chimney sweep’s Website.
You should also beware of chimney sweeps who try to frighten you with stories of carbon monoxide poisoning and house fires. While chimney fires are dangerous, they are not common and can be avoided with regular cleaning, maintenance and inspections. It is recommended to keep a log book on hand to record the date of each chimney sweep visit, as well as to set up smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in your home.
Cleanliness is Key
While fireplace design and efficiency have improved with new technology, chimneys still need regular maintenance to keep them safe. Chimney sweeps provide services that ensure chimneys, flues and fireplaces are clean, safe and working correctly. They remove residue such as soot and creosote that build up from fires. Chimney sweeps can also identify and repair any damage to the chimney or fireplace, preventing hazardous conditions like dangerous smoke or blockages.
Before your chimney sweep arrives, it is a good idea to prepare the area by removing all ash logs, fireplace tools and other decorative items from the firebox. It is also recommended to remove anything from the mantel including any decorations and pictures that may be a risk of falling during the cleaning process or could be damaged by the sweep’s tools and equipment.
It is a good idea to shut any pets in another room while the chimney sweep works, as they may not be comfortable with the sound of the equipment and the presence of a stranger in their home. This will also help to prevent any mishaps that could result in injury or harm to your pets. Chimney sweeps will use a variety of different tools to perform their duties, some of which are bulky and awkward in size or shape. This is why it is important to clear a path between the front door and your fireplace, making sure that there are no obstacles in their way.
Chimney sweeps also use a special vacuum that has a dual HEPA filter to minimize dust. They will either start from the chimney top and work their way down, or they will begin from the fireplace opening and work their way up. Either way, it is important to have a dust mask on hand in case there is any dust left behind on furniture or other items.
While there are a wide variety of chimney sweeps that have varying qualifications, it is important to find a CSIA Certified Professional with a reputation for safety and quality work. The CSIA website has a tool that can help you locate sweeps in your area that have been verified as professionals. It is also a good idea to check for membership with any local trade organizations, as this can be an indicator of the professionalism and level of training of your sweep.
Cleanliness is a Prerequisite
Chimney sweeps need to know how to keep their own workspace clean, especially when dealing with ash, soot, and burnt logs. They also need to keep their knowledge and techniques updated with regard to chimney and venting safety practices, codes, clearances and standards. They should also strive to deal in a fair and honest manner with consumers and avoid deceptive practices and misleading statements.
If you’re a homeowner looking for a qualified chimney sweep, make sure the company you hire is certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). It will have a logo on its Website and business cards that prove it has met certain professional qualifications. A reputable chimney sweep should also have liability insurance to protect you in the event of a mishap during its work.
Cleaning a chimney is messy, but the sweep will have all the necessary tools and equipment to keep it as clean as possible. This includes drop cloths or plastic to cover furniture and carpeting, as well as a powerful dual- HEPA filter vacuum cleaner that will keep the dust levels down in your house.
Before the sweep arrives, you should make sure that your fireplace and mantel have been cleared of anything other than firewood and decorative items. It’s also a good idea to clear the fireplace floor of any toys, firewood blocks, or any other debris. You should also make sure that your chimney has cooled down, as this will allow the sweep to do its work without risking the lining or causing other damage to your home.
If it’s been a while since your chimney was last swept, the sweep will likely give you a quote for its services, including an inspection and cleaning. In general, you should schedule regular sweepings to prevent the buildup of creosote, which can cause a chimney fire. It’s also a good idea for homeowners to get their chimneys inspected by an insured, professional chimney sweep before selling their homes. This will help to ensure that the chimney is free of damage and complies with all local building codes.
Cleanliness is a Right
Chimney sweeps are trained to remove soot and creosote from chimney walls, flue linings and fireplace components. Regular cleaning helps keep a chimney free of these deposits and can reduce the risk of fires in the home. It also allows for proper airflow and combustion, which improves the efficiency of a fireplace or wood stove. A clean chimney is also more aesthetically appealing and can help keep harmful gases out of the home.
Chimey sweeps are also able to identify any damage or pests that may be in the chimney system and advise homeowners on the best course of action. A basic chimney inspection will typically cost less than a sweeping and can alert the homeowner to any issues that need to be addressed before they become serious and expensive problems.
Having a clean chimney can also help the flue liner last longer, as it will not be worn down by moisture as quickly as it would if there were a large amount of creosote present in the chimney. This is why it’s important to have a professional chimney sweep clean your chimney on a regular basis, especially if you use it frequently.
While many homeowners attempt DIY chimney cleaning, it is not recommended. The removal of soot and creosote is a messy process that can put your health and home at risk. If you do decide to hire a chimney sweep, be sure to select one that is CSIA certified, and make sure that they have the equipment necessary to safely complete the job.
Before the sweep arrives, be sure to clear any debris from around the fireplace and move any furniture or other items away from it. The chimney sweep will need to be able to access the entire area of the fireplace and chimney for the job to be done properly. It is important to have a vacuum with a long hose to help with the clean up. Chimney sweeps can also use this equipment to remove any creosote from areas that are difficult to reach.
The OREGON CHIMNEY SWEEPS ASSOCIATION encourages homeowners to ask for references and research companies before making a decision. In addition, be sure to choose a company that guarantees that a CSIA-certified sweep will be on site for the duration of the service.
