When Was The Last Time You Had Your Chimney Swept?
Your chimney is often one of the most overlooked systems in your home. Unfortunately, ignoring a chimney problem or neglecting to maintain your chimney puts your home and family at significant risk. By keeping your fireplace and chimney clean and free of creosote, and by having your appliance regularly inspected, you can help keep your system burning efficiently and in an eco-friendly manner. That’s why the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommend that chimney sweeping be a routine part of your home maintenance.
What Is Creosote & Why Is It So Bad?
When you burn wood in your fireplace, the combustion process can produce creosote, a tar-like substance that builds up inside your chimney and flue liner. Creosote is highly flammable – and the only way to get rid of it is to have your chimney professionally cleaned on a regular basis.
When left in the chimney, creosote can restrict the flue and lead to the production of even more creosote. As these layers pile up, the creosote becomes hard-candy textured, and it can be very difficult to safely remove. This type of creosote is known as third stage or glazed creosote, and it’s a serious threat to your chimney system and home. If you have third stage creosote in your system, call the experts at Pristine Sweeps. We have the tools, products, and techniques to remove this flammable substance – without harming the masonry or lining of your chimney system in the process.
And if you have damages due to creosote’s presence? We can handle any number of chimney repair services, and we’d love to help you out.
Are There Any Other Dangers To Neglecting Annual Sweepings?
Your chimney is the passageway out of your house for smoke, water vapor, and numerous gases (such as carbon monoxide), as well as unburned wood particles. All of these toxins travel up your chimney and eventually stick to the walls. It’s critical to remove these pollutants so they won’t damage your chimney or cause health problems. That’s right: not only can these pollutants damage your chimney, but they can poison your family.
If you have a buildup or blockage that restricts the flow of these pollutants, they can become trapped inside of your home instead of flowing out of your chimney. When this blockage is not taken care of through professional sweeping, your family is exposed to smoke and gases, and your chimney is at high risk of overheating or catching fire. Regular chimney cleanings are the best way to reduce your risk of chimney fire, so make annual sweepings a priority!
The CSIA recommends that homeowners have their chimneys cleaned and inspected every 12 months. You should also have your chimney cleaned and/or inspected if you notice any of the following:
- Soot falling down when you open or close your damper
- Bad smells or strong odors coming from your chimney or firebox
- Smoke hovers in the room
- Chimney is not drafting properly
How Do I Know If Pristine Sweeps Is Right For Me?
The experienced chimney professionals at Pristine Sweeps will perform all of your chimney work according to CSIA guidelines, in a timely and hassle-free manner. We are committed to providing a safe and mess-free chimney inspection and cleaning experience to all of our customers. If we discover any problems with your chimney during the course of our work, we will make a recommendation for any repairs needed to restore the safety and functionality of your chimney system. With Pristine Sweeps on the job, you can rest assured that you will have a clean chimney that is ready and safe to use.
To schedule your chimney sweeping appointment, give us a call at 206-574-8414, or schedule online. We’re here to help you get the most from your chimney system!
Our chimney inspection services include checking on the need for third-stage creosote removal, which will decrease the likelihood of a dangerous chimney fire.