Chimney Sweeping – Why Hiring a Professional

Chimney sweeps should be registered for home improvement work if they recommend any repairs, including chimney cap and liner installation or repair, mortar replacement, or another masonry. They should also be certified by the CSIA or NCSG.

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1. Safety

Chimneys and fireplaces are a fire hazard when they are not cleaned regularly. They also harbor dangerous gases, including carbon monoxide.

Chimney sweeps inspect the fireplace and chimney systems for fire hazards. They make sure that the chimney cross-section is large enough for smoke and exhaust gases to escape and that there are no obstructions in the chimney, such as birds’ nests, leaves, twigs or bird droppings.

Sweeps may also have to trim or prune tree branches that are too close to the chimney. They also make repairs to the chimney as needed. This job requires a willingness to work in outdoor weather conditions and to use specialized tools. It can also be dirty and dusty, so chimney sweeps must wear protective gear and have a high level of physical fitness.

2. Cleanliness

Chimneys that are dirty or clogged don’t function properly and can actually damage the house. Dirty chimneys can cause odor problems and smoke issues, and a clogged chimney doesn’t allow airflow through the fireplace. A clogged chimney can also lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, which kills hundreds of people a year.

Regular chimney sweepings help to prevent these hazards by removing soot, ash and creosote from the flue and chimney. Additionally, chimney sweeps may notice minor issues like cracked masonry or broken bricks and mortar, which can be repaired before they become serious problems.

To prepare for a chimney sweep’s arrival, make sure that the fireplace has cooled and move any furniture away from the fireplace area. Also, you should make sure that the chimney sweeping company is licensed and insured before hiring them.

3. Health

Chimneys can be dangerous and if your chimney is blocked you could end up with carbon monoxide poisoning. This can be a serious problem and requires immediate medical attention.

A regular sweep will remove blockages from the chimney flue. This will prevent smoke and odors from spreading through your home. It will also allow more oxygen to circulate and make fires hotter. This can help you to use less wood and save money on energy bills.

Chimneys need to be swept regularly in order to prevent creosote build up. This is a sticky and highly flammable substance that can cause chimney fires. A chimney sweep will also ensure that your chimney is drafting properly. A poorly drafted chimney can send smoke back into the house which can be dangerous for your family.

4. Energy Efficiency

If your chimney is clogged or damaged, it could be letting heat escape from your home. A professional chimney sweep can inspect and repair it to help your heating system work more efficiently.

Chimney fires are not only dangerous but they can also cause carbon monoxide poisoning in your house. Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas that causes nausea, dizziness, headaches, and fainting. A blocked chimney can release carbon monoxide in high levels, which is why it is important to sweep your fireplace regularly.

Chimney sweeps will bring specialized brushes, shop vacuums, and tarps or plastic to cover your furniture and floors during the cleaning process. They may start inside your fireplace or on the roof and will use a camera to check for blockages.

5. Convenience

When a professional sweep arrives at your home they have all the tools they need to get the job done right. They have dropped cloths and plastic to protect your floors and furnishings while a dual HEPA filter vacuum keeps dust levels low during the entire cleaning process.

They also have experience and know how to remove animals and nests from chimneys and flues. This is a dangerous job and they have the proper safety gear to do it safely.

Chimneys, fireplaces and flues need to be inspected and cleaned regularly. Many chimney problems aren’t immediately obvious and can only be detected by a trained technician. If you wait to have the chimney swept and inspected, you may miss problems that could cause damage or lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.