Chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning are dangers of not doing that cleaning. A Chimney Sweep removes buildups of highly flammable creosote along with making sure that smoke, soot, ash, gases, vapor, and bird nests present no obstructions. Creosote can form when wood is incompletely burned and builds faster on exterior chimneys than on interior ones because of lower temperatures outside.

How often should a chimney be cleaned?

According to The National Fire Protection Association, chimneys, vents, and fireplaces should be inspected at a minimum of once a year for soundness, correct clearances, and freedom from deposits. Cleaning, repairs, and maintenance should be done when necessary.

If a fire is smoky, it is without enough oxygen and emits unburned tar vapors that could condense inside the flue in the fireplace and stick to it. How can you reduce the buildup of creosote? Provide adequate combustion air, and that will encourage a clean-burning and hot fire.

How to tell when it’s time to clean the chimney

Although there are methods to check for yourself, that requires making sure there is no downdraft, wearing goggles and a disposable dust mask, scratching with a fireplace poker in a designated area, checking with a flashlight, and other steps. Chimney cleaning is extremely labor-intensive and dirty, and most homeowners just do not have the time, tools, energy, or experience to get the job done correctly.

If you don’t want that responsibility and chore, it is recommended that you have a checkup and inspection by a certified Chimney Sweep who will determine what, if anything, is needed and make the proper repairs. The job is done effectively, quickly, and safely.

How to choose a Chimney Sweep

Deal with a company whose technicians are certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America and/or the National Fireplace Institute. That ensures the highest level of professionalism, knowledge, and extensive training to recognize venting problems or deterioration. You will be provided with a written report of the findings. If you proceed with the cleaning, they will use a Power Brush on extension rods and also use industrial-sized vacuums to keep the home dust-free and clean.

High’s Chimney would be happy to be your Chimney Sweep Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia areas and make sure that you don’t have one of the millions of homes with chimney problems.