The sights, sounds, and the pleasing aroma of a crackling wood fire in a stove or fireplace tickle the senses with a warm and cozy feeling that is second to none. However, to maintain that inviting ambiance all year long, it’s essential to schedule a professional chimney sweep at least once per year.
What Does a Chimney Sweep Do?
A professional chimney sweep is a trained industry professional who understands the complexities of chimney and venting systems. A typical chimney sweep service includes:
- Chimney Inspection: A thorough visual inspection of the entire chimney, flue, and connected appliances to assess the chimney’s condition and identify any areas that need further attention.
- Cleaning: If the chimney sweep determines that cleaning is necessary, the technician will remove flammable creosote, soot, and other debris from the chimney flue, smoke chamber, and firebox. This service often involves specialized brushes, vacuums with HEPA filters, and other tools.
- Assessment: We check the chimney’s integrity from the cap to the foundation, including the liner, damper, and other components, to determine if any repair or replacement is necessary.
- Advice and recommendations: The sweep will provide homeowners with a written report along with valuable information on proper burning practices, fuel selection, and maintenance to prevent future problems.
The Importance of Chimney Sweeping
Failure to clean the chimney properly can result in creosote buildup, blockages in the flue, and damage to the liner and masonry, all of which raise the risk of fires, exposure to harmful carbon monoxide fumes, and potential structural issues. It is also the number one cause of residential fires in eastern MA and RI.
Clean Chimneys Don’t Catch Fire
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) strongly recommends annual chimney inspections and “cleaning when necessary” for homes with solid or fossil fuel heating appliances. Burning wood produces natural byproducts such as creosote, a flammable tar-like substance that accumulates inside the chimney flue.
Facts About Chimney Fires
Fire departments nationwide cite creosote buildup from failure to clean the chimney as the primary cause of chimney fires. While many fires are small and go unnoticed until a later inspection, they can still be incredibly dangerous. These seemingly minor fires reach extremely high temperatures, capable of causing significant damage to the chimney structure and surrounding combustible building materials. This hidden damage increases the risk of future fires spreading rapidly throughout the house, posing a serious threat to your home and family.
Reducing Creosote Buildup
While creosote formation is a natural byproduct of wood combustion, homeowners play a critical role in fire prevention. By burning seasoned hardwood and ensuring proper drafting, you can minimize creosote accumulation and mitigate associated risks.
- Burning seasoned hardwood: Dry wood burns hotter and cleaner, producing less smoke and creosote than green or damp wood.
- Proper Drafting: Equally important is ensuring adequate drafting, which is the upward flow of air in the chimney. A healthy chimney provides ample oxygen to fuel the fire, retains heat to promote complete combustion, and expels contaminants from your home.
Call Horizon for Top-Rated Chimney Sweep Services
Have you had your annual chimney cleaning yet? For over three decades, homeowners in Foxborough MA, Westwood MA, Rehoboth, MA, Cumberland RI, and surrounding areas have trusted the top-rated certified technicians at Horizon for professional chimney sweeping. Contact Horizon Chimney Services to schedule your chimney sweep service today!