What Does A Chimney Sweep Service Provide?
Cleaning the chimney is one of the essential services that a chimney sweep provides. Accumulation of soot, creosote, ash, and other debris significantly increases the risk of a fire. A dirty chimney can also reduce indoor air quality expanding the potential for exposure to carbon monoxide fumes and other harmful contaminants that can cause serious health issues. For these reasons, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and other fire safety professionals recommend annual chimney cleanings. A Certified Chimney Sweep® is your assurance that the chimney sweep you hire has the training and skills to safely and reliably service the chimney.
Chimney Cleaning Process
Upon arrival at the residence, the chimney sweep will prepare the work area to avoid dust and soot from getting on the floor and furniture during the cleaning process. The technician will vacuum out any loose material in the firebox and remove the ash from the ash dump. The interior masonry walls and internal components, including the damper, flue liner, and smoke shelf, will be brushed thoroughly to ensure the complete removal of creosote and any other corrosive residues. If stage 3 creosote is discovered, which is dark and tarry material, a chemical agent may be applied to ensure its safe and complete removal. The chimney sweep will also go on the roof to clean the upper portion of the flue. Attached heating appliances, such as the fireplace and heating stove and stovepipe, are also part of the cleaning process. Any objects that were temporarily relocated to facilitate cleaning will be moved back into its original position upon completion.
Chimney Inspections
Another equally important service of a chimney sweep is chimney inspections. Its primary purpose is to ensure that the chimney and attached heating appliances are safe for use. Since the chimney sweep will also advise if cleaning is necessary, it’s a good idea to schedule the inspection first or during the same visit.
Without a chimney inspection, the homeowner will not be aware of excessive creosote, masonry damage, flue liner cracks, flue obstructions, and other issues that may impact the safe operation of a fireplace or heating stove. It is also highly recommended for homeowners to have a video scan of the flue periodically. A video scan can detect tiny imperfections in the flue liner that are difficult for an unaided eye to spot. The technician will point out any issues that are found in real-time that the homeowner will see on the video monitor.
Most deficiencies usually begin as minor problems that are easy to fix. Chimney problems will get worse over time. So, when minor issues are caught early during an inspection, it can save homeowners thousands of dollars in repair costs. The homeowner will receive an inspection report that assesses the chimney’s current condition along with any items that need repair or replacement.
Fire Safety & Prevention
The chimney sweep is an expert in fire safety and prevention. They will share fire safety tips and gladly answer any questions you may have to help you get the most out of your fireplace and heating stove.