If you’ve been running a fireplace all winter, then spring is a good time to get it cleaned out while you’re doing your other spring-cleaning tasks. National Chimney Cleaners of Fairfield County, CT, and Morris County, NJ, would like to share a little about why chimney sweeping is one of the best things you can do for your fireplace and chimney.
What is chimney sweeping?Chimney sweeping is a process whereby creosote and soot are cleaned from chimneys using industry-grade tools like whips, rods, rotating brushes, vacuums, and cleaning solvents.
The people who perform this work are called “chimney sweeps,” and they’re the only individuals qualified to safely and effectively clean residential and commercial chimneys.
As noted, chimney sweeping removes creosote and soot from the chimney flue. Creosote forms when smoke condenses inside the chimney and then clings to the walls of the chimney liner. Creosote is highly flammable and causes most of the reported chimney fires each year.
Because you generally can’t see the level of creosote in your chimney, it’s impossible to know how much of it is building up and ready to ignite. Annual chimney sweeping and licensed inspections (see below) are therefore recommended by the National Fire Protection Association and other fire safety and hearth agencies throughout the United States.
Another reason to schedule chimney sweeping as part of your spring-cleaning activities is to rid the flue of debris that may have built up over the winter and into the spring.
If you operate your chimney without a secure chimney cap at the top, various debris can get into it. Small animals like birds, squirrels, bats and rodents can make your chimney their home and set up birthing grounds.
Additionally, leaves, twigs and other tree debris can enter and build up in the flue.
In many cases, chimney sweeps are qualified to perform chimney inspections. The two jobs are often done together.
Annual chimney inspections look at the condition of your flue in relation to the issues we discussed above. They also cover all readily accessible areas of your chimney system, including:
After the long winters we have in Connecticut and New Jersey, a thorough chimney inspection can identify early signs of damage and malfunction, so you can have the necessary repairs made quickly.
Chimney sweeping and spring cleaningIf it’s been more than a year since your chimney was last cleaned and inspected, call the experts at National Chimney Cleaners. We serve residents of Fairfield County, CT, and Morris County, NJ, with professional chimney sweeping, licensed chimney inspections and all types of chimney repair and structural work.
Speak with a chimney pro today at (800) 631-6177. You can also reach out with our handy contact form.
