To ensure that all of their systems are working properly and functioning as they should, it is recommended that homeowners undergo an annual chimney inspection. Most homeowners choose to do a chimney clean every year as well, especially if they use their chimney on a regular basis. Other ventilation systems connected to ovens and stoves should also be cleaned regularly to maintain safer operation. Fireplace, stove, oven and heating systems are important for the safety of your home and family, and not an area to neglect or reduce expenses.
Don't risk the possibility that an undiscovered defect will turn into a costly repair or, worse, a chimney fire. You must have an annual chimney inspection by a reputable chimney sweep organization, such as Petro. Depending on how often you use the fireplace to burn wood, creosote residue will build up in the chimney. There are many factors that influence the amount of creosote attached to the chimney walls, such as the volume of air flow entering the chimney and the burning of improperly cured wood, that encourage such buildup.
Creosote will also accumulate in the chimney if there is unburned wood in the combustion chamber. Of all the tasks you strive to keep up with in your home (cleaning brass, cleaning grout, cleaning mold, cleaning regularly), chances are that cleaning the chimney isn't at the top of your list. While you're comfortable in front of the fireplace watching the crackling flames, soot buildup and flammable waste aren't exactly romantic things to think about (out of sight, out of mind, right?). Do we have your attention now? Yes.
As with a wood burning installation, gas fireplace chimneys should be inspected and cleaned once a year. It's not so much creosote to worry about, as a bird's nest may need to be removed. This question also depends a lot on how often you use your fireplace or stove. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says: “Chimneys, chimneys, smoke ducts and ventilation systems should be inspected at least once a year for reservoir-free, soundness, and proper spacing.
Maintenance, repairs and cleaning will be performed if necessary. Even if you don't use the fireplace often, raccoons, birds, squirrels, and other animals may use the fireplace as a nesting area. This will make the chimney unsafe to use without removing accumulated pest debris. Wind, rain and snow also drag leaves and branches into unprotected chimney openings.
Have the tools needed for this DIY chimney cleaning project ready before you start, it will save you time and frustration. Since homeowners may not be able to judge the status of the system, it is recommended that a CSIA chimney sweep perform a professional chimney inspection. Protecting the safety of your family and home from damage are the real benefits of having a chimney inspection and proper cleaning. Modern prefabricated metal chimneys are specially treated to withstand the high temperatures of a chimney fire without suffering serious damage.
In addition to cleaning the chimney every year, it is important to perform a professional check to ensure that the system is not in poor condition. You can try to remove creosote yourself, but for thorough work, call a chimney sweep certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America. Running noises, flutters and other animal noises in and around the chimney mean that the animals are using their chimney as a shelter. Choose how often you clean your chimney based on the type of fuel you are burning and how often you use the chimney or stove.
It is a highly flammable substance that accumulates in the chimney lining and is the most common cause of chimney fires. Therefore, if your chimney is not cleaned properly and a subsequent fire occurs, you may not be eligible for adequate insurance coverage. Even so, some homeowners continue to ignore this significant risk and don't take appropriate steps when it comes to cleaning chimneys. The best time to inspect and clean your home's chimney system is before the burn season, which is in summer or early fall.
You can safely assume that your chimney and, by extension, your chimney will not last long if your cleaning process is neglected. Fireplaces are a wonderful asset to any home, and an annual system cleaning and inspection is the best way to prevent the chimney from becoming a dangerous fire hazard. . .
