If you have an older home, there’s a good chance you have a fireplace and chimney, even if you don’t use it regularly anymore. Whether you use it regularly or not, getting your chimney swept at least once yearly (preferably twice per year) will ensure your home stays safe.
Read on to learn more about chimney sweeping services and why you should ensure yours is safe as soon as possible.
*A chimney is not something that you want to sweep by yourself. A professional has been trained to use the proper equipment and techniques for a clean, safe sweep.
*A homeowner can become aware of potential dangers early if they bring in a professional regularly.
*If homeowners are not attentive, they can end up with soot stains on the ceiling or walls of their home*
*When homeowners neglect routine chimney sweeps, they may be costing themselves more money than necessary in the long run. Getting your chimneys swept regularly will help reduce your risk of fire or other potentially serious incidents.
*Bringing in a professional each year ensures that your fireplace and flue are appropriately cleaned from all of the dust buildup or animal activity within.
It’s best to schedule a professional chimney sweep at least once yearly. If you use your fireplace or wood stove regularly, consider getting it swept twice a year. You may want to do this even more often if you live in an area with heavy soot production due to the type of fuel used for heating (coal versus natural gas).
If you want your chimney cleaned, check that the company has a Class A contractor license. Some people may clean fireplaces as part of their general contracting business, but these are not professional chimney sweeps.
You should also be wary of companies that offer special deals if you can’t come up with a firm price or figure out what size of equipment they will need to do the job. There are many reputable chimneys sweeps in your area, and it’s best to get multiple estimates for comparison.
If you know the make and model of your fireplace, this information is helpful when deciding on the right sweep. For instance, specific models require different approaches to getting them swept properly. The process begins by putting on protective gear before entering the flue opening.
They then use their brushes and other tools to clear out any buildup inside the chimney, ensuring they get every nook and cranny possible. Afterward, they seal up any cracks or holes around vents or in mortar joints that could let air escape into the fireplace when it’s being used again later down the road.
