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 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 (or any fuel for that matter) in your fireplace, the combustion process can produce creosote, a tarlike 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 can be very difficult to safely remove. This type of creosote is known as “Third Stage” or “Glazed” creosote, and is 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. For more information on “Third Stage” creosote removal, please click here!
Are There Any Other Dangers To Neglecting Annual Sweepings?
In addition to creosote, your chimney is the passageway for smoke, water vapor and 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, and in a timely and hassle-free manner. We are committed to providing a safe and mess-free chimney 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 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!
Regular chimney inspections with a video scan will provide all the information you need to keep your chimney in tip-top and safe condition…that’s why we offer this as part of our complete chimney and fireplace service.