A chimney cleaning or chimney sweeping should take place at least once a year to ensure safe and efficient operation. However, the frequency of sweeping can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of fuel being burned, the amount of use the chimney receives, and the condition of the chimney. It is recommended to have a professional chimney sweep inspect and clean the chimney to determine the appropriate cleaning schedule at least once a year. Additionally, it’s important to monitor the chimney for signs of buildup or blockage and promptly address any issues. Regular chimney maintenance is essential for preventing chimney fires and ensuring proper ventilation of harmful gasses.

Why is Chimney Sweeping Necessary?

Chimney sweeping is necessary for several reasons. Over time, soot, creosote, and other debris can accumulate inside the chimney, reducing its efficiency and increasing the risk of a chimney fire. These byproducts can also block the flue, preventing proper ventilation and causing dangerous gasses, such as carbon monoxide, to build up in the home. Regular chimney maintenance can remove these deposits and help prevent these hazards. To learn more risks of not sweeping your chimney, read our blog about what causes internal chimney deterioration.

In addition to the safety concerns, chimney sweeping can also improve the overall performance of the chimney and the heating system. A clean chimney allows for better airflow, which can improve the heating system’s efficiency and reduce energy costs. It can also help extend the chimney’s life and reduce the need for costly repairs.

What is the Chimney Sweeping Process?

Inspection

A professional chimney technician will first inspect the chimney to assess its general condition and determine if sweeping is needed. There are three levels of chimney inspections, with each level being more comprehensive than the last. The level of inspection needed will depend on the construction of the chimney and if there are any known issues. Read our blog on the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 chimney inspections to learn more about the type of inspection your chimney needs.

Preparation

Before sweeping the chimney, the sweep will protect the surrounding area by laying down tarps or drop cloths. They may also use special tools to seal off the fireplace or stove to prevent debris from entering the home.

Sweeping

The chimney sweep will then use specialized brushes, rods, and vacuums to remove any buildup of soot, creosote, or other debris from the inside of the chimney. The tech may work from the top or bottom of the chimney, depending on the type and condition of the chimney. You can view a more detailed list of tools chimney sweepers use here.

Final Inspection

After sweeping the flue, the chimney technician will conduct a final inspection to ensure that the chimney is free of debris If this is a fireplace and it has an operational damper, the damper will be closed upon our departure.

Cleanup

The tech will then clean up any debris or dust that may have accumulated during the sweeping process, and remove all equipment and protective coverings.

Chimney sweeping is a thorough process that requires specialized tools and knowledge. It’s important to hire a professional chimney sweep like our team at Best Chimney Services who can safely and effectively inspect and sweep the chimney and ensure that it is functioning properly.

Other Chimney Services That Should be Done Annually

Several chimney services should be performed annually to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the chimney. These include:

Inspection

A professional chimney technician should inspect the chimney annually to check for any damage, blockages, or other issues that could affect its operation.

Repair

Any necessary chimney repairs should be made promptly to ensure that the chimney is functioning properly and to prevent further damage.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance of the chimney and heating system can help prevent issues from arising and ensure that the system is functioning efficiently.

By performing these annual chimney services, homeowners can make sure that their chimney is functioning properly and safely, and reduce the risk of chimney fires and other hazards.

Contact Best Chimney Services for Your Greater Boston Area Annual Chimney Sweeping

Now that we’ve answered your question of “how often should a chimney be swept?” you know it may be time to schedule your annual chimney sweeping or inspection. Our team of certified chimney technicians is ready to provide you with quality chimney services such as chimney sweeping, chimney inspections, and more. Click here or call (781) 893-6611 to schedule your chimney services.

The post How Often Should a Chimney Be Swept? appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

A chimney is an essential part of any home that uses a fireplace or boiler for heating. However, chimney leaks in heavy rain can become a major problem. Chimney leaks in heavy rain can cause damage to your roof, ceilings, and walls, leading to costly repairs. This blog will discuss the causes of chimney leaks in heavy rain, the role of flashing and chimney caps in preventing leaks, and the dangers of ignoring leaks.

Causes of Chimney Leaks in Heavy Rain

Damaged Chimney Crown

There are several reasons why a chimney might leak during heavy rain. One of the most common causes is a damaged chimney crown. The chimney crown is a concrete or masonry cap on top of the chimney stack, discouraging water from entering the flue. If the crown is cracked or damaged, water can seep through and cause leaks. To learn more about chimney crowns and their importance, read our blog “What is a Chimney Crown?.”

Damaged Flashing

Another common cause of chimney leaks in heavy rain is damaged flashing. Flashing is a metal or lead material that is installed at the base of the chimney, where it meets the roof. It is designed to provide a watertight seal between the chimney and the roof. Water can enter the home through the gap if the flashing becomes damaged.

Contact Best Chimney Services for Flashing Repairs

The flashing is one of the first locations to be examined when a chimney leaks to look for fractures or cavities.  It allows the elements, notably rainwater, to penetrate the house and cause harm if it is not correctly fastened. Flashing repairs can range from being straightforward to requiring more involved repair work. Our team at Best Chimney Services has over 30 years of experience in flashing repairs. Schedule your flashing estimate today!

The Importance of Using a Chimney Cap and Proper Flashing

Chimney caps and flashing are both essential components of a properly functioning chimney system. Chimney caps are installed on top of the chimney to minimize rain, snow, and debris from entering the chimney flue. They are typically made of metal, such as stainless steel, and come in a variety of sizes and shapes to fit different chimney types. In addition to preventing water damage, chimney caps also serve other important functions. For example, they can prevent animals such as birds, squirrels, and raccoons from entering the chimney, which can be a major nuisance. Chimney caps can also prevent downdrafts from occurring, which can cause smoke and other byproducts of combustion to enter your home.

Flashing is installed around the base of the chimney to create a watertight seal between the chimney and the roof. It is typically made of metal, such as aluminum or copper, and is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. Properly installed flashing can prevent water from entering the home through the chimney.

There are several types of flashing, including step flashing, continuous flashing, and counter flashing. Step flashing is used on sloped roofs and is designed to overlap each shingle. Continuous flashing is used on flat roofs and is a single piece of metal that is bent to fit the shape of the roof. Counter flashing is installed over the step flashing and is designed to protect the flashing from exposure to the elements. To learn more about why chimney flashing is important, read our blog!

Installing flashing and chimney caps is crucial for reducing leaks during heavy rain. If you suspect that your chimney is leaking, it’s important to have it inspected by a professional to identify the cause of the leak and determine the best course of action to prevent further damage.

Why Ignoring Leaks Can Be Dangerous

If you ignore chimney leaks, they can lead to serious problems. Water damage can weaken the structural integrity of your home, leading to sagging ceilings and walls, mold growth, and even electrical hazards. Leaks can also cause damage to your chimney itself, leading to the need for costly repairs or replacement.

In addition to the physical dangers, chimney leaks can also pose health hazards. Moisture from leaks can create a breeding ground for mold and mildew, which can cause respiratory problems, especially for those with allergies or asthma. In addition, if the leaks cause a damaged flue liner, harmful gasses such as carbon monoxide can seep into your home, posing a serious health risk.

It’s important to address chimney leaks promptly and have them inspected and repaired by a professional. This can help to prevent further damage to your home and protect the health and safety of your family. To learn more about the dangers of moisture in your chimney, read our blog!

Call Best Chimney Services to Prevent Chimney Leaks in Heavy Rain

Are you struggling to know what to do with your leaking chimney? Our team of experienced chimney technicians provides chimney repair services for chimney leaks, including flashing repairs. We also conduct preventive services with chimney waterproofing, chimney liner installation, chimney cap installation, and more! Click here or call (781) 893-6611 to fix or prevent your chimney leaks in the Greater Boston, Massachusetts area.

The post What Causes Chimney Leaks In Heavy Rain? appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

If you are a proud owner of a historic chimney, then you know that restoring it requires special care and attention.

Historic chimneys are not only a beautiful architectural feature of a home, but they also play an important role in maintaining the safety and functionality of your fireplace. However, restoring a historic chimney can be a complex process, and there are several things you need to consider before you begin.

Let’s look at seven important things you need to pay attention to when restoring your historic chimney.

7 Essential Tips to Restore Your Historic Chimney

1. Reline the Chimney with the Right

One of the most important aspects of restoring a historic chimney is relining the flue.

Many older homes were built without a chimney liner, which can cause numerous problems, including poor ventilation, smoke damage, and even fire hazards.

The trick is to use a rectangular stainless-steel liner that fits snugly into the chimney. The flexible liner will bend to conform to the narrow passageway as it winds through the chimney. This will help improve ventilation, prevent smoke damage, and reduce the risk of fire.

2. Select the Most Appropriate Lining Material

Another critical tip for restoring your historic chimney is to choose a suitable lining material. Certain lining materials are only compatible with specific fuel types, and the liner must be sized to the firebox and appliances it serves.

You have several options for the lining material: cast-in-place concrete lining systems, stainless steel, and galvanized or aluminum sleeves. You can consult an expert to choose the best lining material for your chimney to ensure it fits in just right.

3. Fix the Masonry Damages

Masonry deterioration is another issue that can affect historic chimneys. Over time, the mortar between the bricks or stones can deteriorate, leading to structural problems and water damage. If you notice any cracks, gaps, or other signs of damage, it’s vital to have them repaired as soon as possible.

Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to have the entire chimney repointed or rebuilt. It’s best to have your chimney inspected regularly by a professional to catch any issues before they become major problems.

4. Remove Accumulated Creosote

Creosote buildup is another common issue in historic chimneys. Creosote is formed when wood or other organic materials are burned in your fireplace. As the smoke rises through the chimney, it cools and condenses, leaving behind a black, sticky residue.

This residue can build up over time and may lead to chimney fire if not properly addressed. That’s why it’s essential to have your chimney cleaned and inspected regularly to prevent creosote buildup.

5. Install a Chimney Crown

The chimney crown is an essential component of your chimney system. It sits at the very top of the chimney, acting as a protective barrier against water, snow, and other debris.

If the crown of your chimney is cracked or damaged, water can penetrate the masonry, causing it to deteriorate and weaken over time. This can lead to structural damage, such as leaning or collapsing chimneys. Also, the seeped-in water can lead to rust and corrosion of metal components, such as the damper or flue liner, leading to further damage and safety concerns.

Installing a new chimney crown can help protect your chimney from water damage and extend the life of your chimney. A professional chimney technician can inspect your chimney crown and determine if it needs to be repaired or replaced.

6. Repair or Replace the Damper

The damper is a crucial component of your chimney system that helps regulate airflow and prevent smoke from entering your home. If your damper is damaged or rusted, it can prevent proper ventilation and cause smoke to enter your home. Repairing or replacing the damper can help improve the efficiency and safety of your historic chimney.

7. Improve the Structure & Design of the Smoke Chamber

The smoke chamber is situated above the fireplace and below the flue in your historic chimney. It’s designed to help funnel smoke and other byproducts of combustion up and out of your home. However, over time, the smoke chamber can become cracked or damaged and may lead to serious health concerns.

Historic chimneys are typically repaired or replaced with masonry, have their smoke chamber design improved, and have insulation added to prevent heat transfer. A professional chimney technician can inspect your chimney and determine the best course of action to fix any issues with the smoke chamber.

Work With an Expert Team to Bring the Chimney Back to Its Glory

Historic chimneys require special attention and care to keep them functioning properly. The best way to restore your historic chimney is by hiring professionals who know what they’re doing and can make sure everything is done right.

If you want an expert team of restoration technicians to work on your historic chimney and make it safe and functional for years to come, contact us today.

The post Tips for Restoring Your Historic Chimney: Tips to Bring Back Its Charm first appeared on Southern Chimneys.

This post first appeared on https://southernchimneys.com

The last thing you want to deal with is a leaky chimney. But, rest assured, our trusted chimney professionals can pinpoint the cause and fix the issue quickly. It’s important to act on this issue as quickly as possible as it could lead to worse issues down the road. Read on to learn more about chimney leaks, starting with how to spot a leak.

What causes leaks in chimneys?

Just like any part of your house, your chimney is subject to environmental wear and tear. This means any of those big summer rainstorms or winter snowstorms could affect the integrity of your chimney. Even if you notice a small issue, it’s smart to act on it as soon as possible as it may save you hundreds or thousands in the long run. Maintaining regular chimney inspections and sweeps could help with early detection and may even prevent damage from occurring.

There are certain components of your chimney that may be responsible for the leak:

• Roof shingles or chimney flashings: These are around the chimney and if they have any deterioration or gaps, it could lead to leaks.
• Chimney Crown: This is a mortared section at the top of your chimney. It there’s any damage or missing mortar it could lead to leaking.
• No chimney cover: This is an easy fix, but the chimney cover blocks rainwater and could permit a lot of rain if missing or damaged.
• Chimney mortar: Similar to the mud cap, it the mortar joints on the chimney deteriorates, it can leave a clear leak path.

What are some signs you may have a chimney leak?

• Water pooling or residue in the firebox
• Dripping water inside the chimney
• White staining on the exterior bricks (called efflorescence)
• Mold or mildew growth along with a musty smell
• Any visible water stains around the chimney and/or walls
• Cracks in the masonry – this could be a sign that the water leak is causing some structural damage, so call a professional as soon as you may see this.

What to do if you notice a leak?

These signs can come in all levels of severity, but if you notice one or more of these signs, you should give your local chimney professionals at Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace a call. Our professionals are trained to inspect and create a plan to fix any issue they find. To ensure everyone’s safety, it’s best to leave chimney repairs to the professionals as, often times, it requires going onto the roof to diagnose and fix the issue.

Call the Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace for Leaky Chimney Advice

Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace is known as the chimney sweep company in Kansas City. Residents know and trust us as the premium chimney and fireplace services company. We provide qualifications that set us apart from the rest such as training, certification, as well as consistent high-quality service and satisfaction. Everything we do from the first call to the finished project; we make sure you’re 100% satisfied. If you need to get your chimney leak fixed, contact us today at 913-236-7141.

The post Chimney Leak Advice: Spotting & Repairing Leaks appeared first on Fluesbrothers Chimney Service.

Isn’t it wonderful to see the sunshine and get outside? As we begin our yard spring cleanup, we are very pleased to extend our new service offering to you to help you beautify, improve, and protect your home and yard. We are now offering Power Washing!

With Springs arrival it’s time to spruce up your home and yard. As you begin your spring-cleaning routine, remember the importance of power washing. Power washing is an essential task for homeowners that can significantly improve the appearance and health of their home and yard. Imaging your walkways, siding on your house, your roof, decks, and patios, looking like new?

This newsletter will explore why power washing is important to home and yards:

Power Washing helps to remove dirt, grime, and other unwanted debris from the exterior of your home. This debris can accumulate over time and make your home look unsightly. Power washing can quickly and effectively remove this buildup, revealing a clean surface.

Power Washing can prevent the growth of mold and mildew on your home’s exterior. Mold and mildew can quickly spread and cause damage to your home structure, leading to costly repairs. Power washing can remove these harmful substances, helping to protect your home’s structural integrity.

Power Washing can improve the safety of your yard by removing slippery substances such as algae and moss from your walkways, driveways, and decks. These substances can create hazardous conditions, especially when wet. Power washing can help to eliminate these safety hazards, providing a safer environment for your family and guests.

Power Washing can increase your home’s value by improving its overall appearance. A clean and well-maintained home is more attractive to potential buyers, and power washing can help your home stand out in the real estate market.

In conclusion, power washing is a crucial task for homeowners that can improve the appearance and health of your homes and yard. By removing dirt, grime, mold, and mildew, power washing can help to protect your home’s structural integrity, increase safety, and boost your home’s value.  Cheers to beginning your spring accomplished!

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your power washing options, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

We would be happy to help! Happy Spring Cleaning!

The post Protect and Beautify Your Home and Yard With Power Washing appeared first on Boston's Best Chimney.

Spring cleaning isn’t just for your home’s interior — it’s also the perfect time to give your chimney some TLC.

Did you know that neglecting your chimney cleaning can actually put your home and family at risk? From increasing the risk of chimney fires to reducing energy efficiency, a dirty chimney can cause various problems. In this post, we’ll discuss five reasons why regular chimney cleanings can help protect your home and keep your family safe this spring.

Reason #1: Address Wear and Tear from Winter

Winter can cause a lot of wear and tear on your chimney. Snow and ice can damage the chimney structure and mortar joints, while the constant heating and cooling of the chimney during the winter months can cause cracks in the chimney lining. This wear and tear can cause problems with your chimney’s function and can even put your home at risk.

And this is why spring cleaning is the perfect time to address any wear and tear that happened during winter. You can hire a professional chimney cleaning company to inspect your chimney for any damage and then clean the chimney thoroughly to remove any debris that may have accumulated during winter. Doing so will help prevent further damage and ensure that your chimney is in good condition for the rest of the year.

Reason #2: Avoid Safety Hazards at Home

If you wish to avoid putting your family and home at risk, then you definitely need to clean your chimney this spring.

A dirty chimney can pose a severe risk to your home and property. Creosote buildup, debris, and other blockages that happened during the winter can cause smoke and toxic gases to back up into your home, harming your health. Also, a dirty chimney can increase the risk of chimney fires, leading to extensive damage to your home and putting your family at risk.

Cleaning your chimney will ensure its functioning properly and address any potential hazards before they become a bigger problem. By scheduling regular chimney cleanings, you can help prevent fires and ensure your home is safe from smoke and toxic gases.

Reason #3: Enhance the Life of Your Chimney

When you ignore cleaning your chimney after the winter, you’ll find yourself paying a lot for its repair or even end up replacing it for a whole new one.

Debris can build up inside your chimney, causing damage to your chimney liner, masonry, and other components of your chimney. Schedule regular inspections of your chimney. And regular cleaning can reduce this damage to your chimney.

A professional chimney cleaning company can identify potential issues and recommend the appropriate repairs or maintenance. During the cleaning process, they will use high-quality cleaning agents such as creosote remover to remove creosote buildup. These products break down and loosen creosote to easily remove it during cleaning. They’ll also replace your chimney liner to protect your chimney from the corrosive effects of creosote and other debris.

Reason #4: Prevent Unpleasant Odors

A dirty chimney can cause unpleasant odors to linger in your home. Creosote, soot, and other debris can create a musty or smoky smell that can be difficult to get rid of. Cleaning your chimney regularly can prevent these odors from developing and keep your home smelling fresh.

Reason #5: Improve Energy Efficiency

When you want to operate an energy-efficient home and avoid paying more for your electricity, then it’s time to clean out the chimney.

A dirty chimney can reduce the energy efficiency of your heating system. Over time, debris can build up in the chimney, which can restrict airflow and cause your heating system to work harder to maintain a consistent temperature. This can lead to higher energy bills and can also put additional wear and tear on your heating system.

Regular chimney cleanings can help improve the energy efficiency of your heating system and save you money on heating bills. During a cleaning, a professional cleaning company will remove any debris or creosote buildup in the chimney, improving the airflow, helping you save money on heating bills, and extending your heating system’s lifespan.

In addition to improving energy efficiency, regular cleanings can also prevent chimney fires and other safety hazards. So, not only will you save money on heating bills, but you’ll also have the peace of mind of knowing that your chimney is safe and functioning properly.

Wrapping Up

Your chimney is an essential part of your home’s heating system and deserves the same level of care and attention as any other appliance. By scheduling a chimney cleaning this spring, you’re not only protecting your home and family from potential hazards, but you’re also investing in the longevity and efficiency of your chimney. Plus, with the peace of mind that comes from knowing your chimney is clean and safe, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the spring weather without any worries.

So don’t wait – schedule your chimney cleaning today and start enjoying the benefits right away!

Call us at (678) 744-4046 to schedule your chimney cleaning this spring.

The post 5 Reasons to Clean Your Chimney in the Spring first appeared on Southern Chimneys.

This post first appeared on https://southernchimneys.com

Are you interested in working with us? We’re a full-service chimney company that’s been serving the Greater Boston area since 1989. Fill out the form to learn more.

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Animals living in a chimney is a very common occurrence in Chicagoland. Animals, like humans, love warm, dark and quiet places to settle down and make their nests in. Chimneys are often times the perfect home! So, how do you know if there is an unwanted critter nesting inside your chimney? Let’s say it’s all quiet in your home, everyone’s asleep and the night just began. Listen closely to your chimney. If there are rustling, scratching, squeaking, pecking or noises that sound like movement, it’s likely you have an animal guest.

What Pesky Critters Can Live in a Chimney?

If you have an animal guest, what could it be? In Chicagoland, there’s a variety of animals that are known to live in chimneys. The 4 most common animals that tend to nest in chimneys are:

1. Birds/bats
2. Rats
3. Racoons
4. Squirrels

Birds, like the chimney swift, are a likely culprit of living in chimneys. Their name tells all. Chimney swifts have specially designed claws that attach to hard surfaces, making it easier to climb. As chimneys are made of hard material, chimney swifts with their long, sharp claws have no problem with latching on to the porous masonry and climbing up to build their nests.

Rats and squirrels are difficult to catch as they are excellent climbers. They are known for making their way into attics and small crawl spaces. They’re often found in dense nests inside chimneys. They do pose a danger though, as many of these pests carry diseases and insects, like ticks and fleas. If these insects drop down into your firebox, they can spread into your home.

Female raccoons are likely to take advantage of the warm nesting space inside your chimney to care of their young. Though cuddly looking, they pose a threat. They are often aggressive and will easily attack if disturbed.

Untouched Animal Nests

Why remove an animal home – after all, they need somewhere to live too? Most of these animals pose a health hazard by carrying serious diseases. You can remove an animal nest by hiring a Nationally Certified Chimney Professional. Do not start a fire to “smoke out” the animals yourself!. The disruption can cause aggression and potential harm to you. Additionally, an animal’s nest is likely to catch on fire the next time you light up the chimney, making it crucial to remove these nests as soon as possible.

Prevent Animal Nests

It’s possible to prevent animal nests from being built in the chimney. A Nationally Certified Chimney Professional will install a chimney cap. This is a small, stainless steel cap that’s placed over the exterior opening of a chimney, where the exhaust comes out of. This cap is designed to keep animals away from nesting in the chimney. There’s many great reasons to install a chimney cap!

Superior Chimney can Help

Our Nationally Certified Professionals will carefully remove any nests and animals, keeping your home safe and chimney clean. If you suspect an animal nest in your chimney, or want to check just to be sure, contact Superior Chimney today for an inspection at 877-244-6349.

This post first appeared on https://www.superiorchimney.net

Some people rarely use their chimneys and are in need of a chimney sweep non-user. Maybe they don’t know how to use it or prefer it to be more of an interior ornamental design than a functional part of the home. Many of us have seen the inside of someone’s house and observed some dead bugs, debris or spider webs inside the fireplace. Neglecting the cleanliness of the chimney often extends beyond the visible firebox, the part of the chimney that includes the wood and actual fire inside the home. That’s why at Superior Chimney, we recommend a chimney sweep non-user. But first, what is a chimney sweep? And why do you need it if you never use your chimney? Could the dust and spider webs really be that bad?

What is a Chimney Sweep?

A chimney sweep is a full cleaning of the chimney done by a Nationally Certified Chimney Professional. Often times, the chimney must be cleaned completely for safety purposes. Buildup of animal debris, smoke and natural debris form inside of the flue, the long passage connecting the firebox to the exit hole, and must be cleaned. Keep your home safe, and clean your chimney by following Superior Chimney’s brief guide of when to get your chimney sweep non-user:

1. Structural Damage: Whether you use the chimney or not, erosion and damage occurs on both the inside and outside of the chimney. The metal on the chimney may be rusted on the inside, or the masonry (bricks/mortar) on the outside may be cracked. In this case, it is crucial for the chimney to be repaired. Check out why repairs are crucial for the safety of your home: Tuckpointing Chimney Repair
2. Animals: Did you know animals love to make their nests inside chimneys? It makes sense as animals love tight and warm places to make their nests and raise their young. Unfortunately, if you light your chimney one day without knowing the nest is there, it will catch on fire! Some unwanted critters may have made their way inside your chimney without you knowing this winter. Check out our previous blog for more information about animal nesting in the chimney: Top 5 Reasons for a Spring Chimney Cleaning in illinois
3. Water Damage: This is one of the most common damages that occur to the chimney, especially in Illinois. A chimney in Chicagoland is exposed year round to humidity, rain and ice. Changes in temperature and moisture levels cause quick erosion to the exterior masonry. Water will drip down and into your chimney, causing moisture to enter your home. This can cause mold and unwanted humidity leaking into the home and can cause interior damage.
4. Creosote and extensive buildup: If you see a thick, black glaze slowly dripping from your chimney and into the home, the chimney is definitely long overdue for a chimney sweep. This is creosote, or buildup that is a natural result of combustion. This glaze is flammable and if you light up the fireplace, it may cause a chimney and house fire.

It is recommended that a chimney is serviced once per year, whether it’s a chimney sweep non-user or not. It’s for the safety of your home, and highly recommended to hire a chimney professional, as it’s necessary to use specialty tools/chemicals to clean it. Contact Superior Chimney today to ask about your annual chimney service at 877-244-6349.

This post first appeared on https://www.superiorchimney.net

Chimney cleaning not only leaves your chimney clean, it also eliminates the risk of chimney fires thus you have peace of mind as you know that your chimney is safe. For you to have a great time with the cleaning professionals you need to do a number of things:

Keep your chimney and home clean

Just as you wouldn’t want guests to find your house dirty, you shouldn’t let the cleaning professionals find your house and chimney dirty. While the professionals are coming to clean your unit, you should get rid of ash and other materials that might give the house a dirty look. In addition to giving a great impression with keeping your home clean, it also results in you paying a small fee for the cleaning work. Chimney contractors charge depending on the amount of work that they have to do. If your chimney is too dirty, you end up paying a large fee.

Ensure that your chimney is cool

To make the work easy for the chimney sweeping experts, you should ensure that the chimney is cool before contacting them. The best way of going about it is to avoid using the chimney 24 hours before the appointment. Doing this allows the chimney enough time to cool naturally thus when the sweeping professionals arrive at your home they start working immediately.

Hire the chimney cleaning professionals during the off-season

The off-season is during summer (April to September). During this time few homeowners are cleaning their chimneys; therefore, most of the cleaning professionals are idle. During this time it’s not only easy to schedule an appointment, you also get to have your chimney cleaned at a small fee. During winter, most of the professionals are responding to emergency services thus it’s difficult to find them. You are also more likely to pay high fees as the contractors are in high demand.

Watch what the cleaning professionals are doing

When the professionals are cleaning, it’s good that you work closely with them. In addition to showing them that you are keen on what they are doing, you also get to learn how to take good care of your fireplace. If there is an area that you would like the professionals to take a look, don’t be scared of asking the chimney company technicians to inspect. While it’s recommended that you work closely with the cleaning contractors, you shouldn’t stay in their way thus preventing them from doing their work.

The post Things To Do When Working With Chimney Cleaning Professionals first appeared on First Class Chimney Services.

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