According to the National Fireplace Institute and Chimney Safety Institute of America, chimneys should be inspected and cleaned at least once per year. During chimney cleaning, sweeps will use special rods to remove blockages and creosote glaze from your fireplace and chimney system.
In the past, sweeping was a dangerous trade. Children would be hired to climb chimneys, and many developed a serious form of cancer called scrotum. visit for chimney sweep brainerd mn.
1. Save You Money
A chimney sweep can catch issues with your fireplace and venting system that you might not have noticed. These issues can cost much more to fix if left unattended. It makes more sense to hire a professional now than to wait until it is too late and incur expensive repairs!
They can also save you money by preventing carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide can build up in your home when a chimney isn’t properly swept and inspected.
The main purpose of sweeping is to remove the creosote that builds up from having fires in your chimney. This is a toxic substance that can cause clogs and other problems. Chimney sweeps will scrape this off the lining and let it fall to the ground, where it will be cleaned or swept away before they leave.
2. Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
A clean chimney is the best way to cut down on carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be fatal when inhaled over prolonged periods of time. It is a byproduct of incompletely burned fuel, such as gasoline or wood. A poorly functioning chimney or venting system allows the harmful gas to leak into your home. A certified chimney sweep can inspect your fireplace, venting system and furnace flue to ensure they are properly vented.
A chimney sweep will either begin from the fireplace and work their way up, or they will start from the roof’s access point and work their way down. During the cleaning process, they will scrape the coating and debris that has accumulated over the years from having fires in your fireplace.
3. Prevent Fires
If you use a wood burning fireplace or stove, it’s important to have your chimney cleaned and inspected regularly. This will help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and fires. It’s also a good idea to have working smoke detectors and a home evacuation plan in case of a fire.
Chimney sweeps are trained to look at a chimney and spot issues that you might not notice. They can easily recognize signs of a fire or other problem and recommend the best course of action for your situation.
When looking for a chimney sweep, check to see that they have a CSIA certification. This will ensure that you’re hiring someone who is knowledgeable and will work with your family’s safety in mind. They’ll also be able to quickly identify and fix problems before they become serious.
4. Keep Your Family Safe
A reputable chimney sweep will have extensive training and knowledge of chimneys, fireplaces, woodstoves and fireplace inserts. They’ll also be able to spot potential problems with your system that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Chimney sweeps need to pass rigorous testing and agree to abide by a code of ethics before earning their certification. This means you can expect them to be honest and professional, which is especially important when they’re working inside your home!
They’ll also use top-of-the-line power tools and high-tech cameras when inspecting and cleaning your chimney. They’ll carefully set up plastic or drop cloths to protect your home from dust and debris, and they’ll use a dual HEPA filter vacuum to keep dust levels down throughout the process. It’s also possible that they’ll be able to repair some chimney issues during the visit!
5. Keep Your Home Clean
Chimney sweeps will clean all of the accumulated soot and creosote from inside of your chimney. They’ll scrape the coating that forms from fires off of your chimney lining and then use a HEPA vacuum to suck it all up. They’ll also remove any debris and deposits that are stuck in the chimney.
If you try to clean your chimney yourself, you’ll have a hard time getting to every little spot. Chimneys are usually tight spaces and you’ll need a ladder to reach high places. It’s also a messy job. You’ll likely end up with soot and creosote in the air that will fall onto your furniture and walls.
It’s also a good idea to schedule a level two inspection with a CSIA-Certified Chimney Sweep. During this process, the chimney sweep will check for things like cracked masonry, rusty metal components, missing or broken chimney caps, and other structural damage.
