Fireplace cleaning
Why Fireplace Cleaning Is Important
It may seem silly that you need to clean chimneys to reduce the risk of fire — after all, that’s what a fireplace is for, right? However, each time you build a fire, something called creosote builds up. Creosote is the residue left over when the wood is burnt, and it’s a dark tar that coats the inside of your chimney. The material is highly flammable, which is why it’s important to remove it regularly.
It’s possible to call a company to clean your chimneys, but many homeowners want to complete this task themselves. They can be cleaned from the inside or the outside — the proper method depends solely on your personal preference.
It can be hard to know when it’s time to clean your chimney. However, take a look at the interior walls. If the layer of creosote is paper-thin, check again in a month or so. If you can scrape away a layer that’s 1/8 inch thick, you should make time to clean it. If the creosote layer is 1/4 of an inch or thicker, stop using your fireplace immediately until you can schedule a cleaning.
The Importance of Regularly Cleaning Your Fireplace
If you haven’t touched your fireplace since last winter, you may be in for an unpleasant surprise. A household fireplace requires regular maintenance and care to ensure that a fire burns safely and with a moderate amount of smoke.
Not only will a clean fireplace create a better impression of your home, but it will also protect your family and your property from potential damage. A clean fireplace will encourage proper wood-burning and rid the inside of your chimney of any flammable residue that could cause a more serious fire.
Chimney cleaning should be performed yearly to make sure that your fireplace stays in the best condition. When it comes to fireplace cleaning, you have two options: hire a professional chimney sweep to clean your fireplace or do the job yourself.
Use a Professional Chimney Sweep
Because it can be very difficult to properly clean creosote buildup from your chimney and the inside of your fireplace, you need to hire a professional chimney sweep at least once a year to ensure that your fireplace and chimney are clear of creosote and other flammable debris. During the cleaning, your chimney sweep can inspect your fireplace and chimney to ensure they are safe for use.
A chimney sweep is a professional cleaner that is more than equipped to provide quality cleaning and inspection services. It is important not to attempt to clean your chimney, as it can be dangerous. Hire a professional chimney cleaner to clean once a year and enjoy warm, relaxing fire lit nights with your home fireplace.