Chimneys require regular maintenance. With time, chimneys can become extremely dirty and get clogged as well. This could result in a fire breaking out, which could be disastrous for your family as well as the people in the surrounding. Homeowners should inspect chimneys and get them cleaned by chimney sweep services. Let’s take a look at the signs and how you can keep your chimney clean to prevent serious incidents from taking place.
Signs Your Chimney Needs Cleaning
Emergencies
If you do not keep your chimney clean, you might not be able to use it in an emergency. Sometimes, the chimneys are blocked to the point where homeowners first need to get them cleaned or repaired before using them. Depending on the repairs or replacements needed, you could expect somewhere around a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars to get the chimney working again. Plus, if you notice the smoke is entering the house or the smoke alarm keeps going off, it is a sign that you have gone too long without cleaning the chimney.
Trouble Breathing
A neglected chimney is destined to become clogged sooner or later. As a result, the toxic gasses will make their way inside the house, which will make it difficult for your family members to breathe. Furthermore, these gases could be harmful if inhaled for longer durations.
Moreover, a clogged chimney could also result in a fire. There have been many cases in the past where homeowners ignored the cleaning and maintenance of their chimneys which resulted in homes getting caught in fires.
Common Issues That Require Chimney Cleaning
Having a chimney in your house can be a blessing. However, even if the cleaning process might not be that difficult but the chimney could have many hidden problems that are difficult to detect. As a result, there are many homeowners out there that can do a pretty good job when it comes to cleaning their chimney but not in the case of detecting problems. This is where a trained technician comes in.
The trained technician will look for creosote buildup that is formed by burning wood on the walls of the chimney. It could easily lead to chimney fires if left ignored. Next, the technician will also inspect the chimney flue where most of the creosote builds up and may require repair. If the chimney flue happens to be cracked, it will need replacement.
In addition to that, there might be several obstructions, a dirty damper, or soot that will only be caught by the technician using special tools. On top of that, if the chimney has not been cleaned for a long time, the build-ups could reach a point where removing them is nearly impossible.
Therefore, hearing the calls for cleaning, the chimney expert will utilize special chemicals and tools to remove the obstructions and build-ups to make it look new again.
How To Find A Reputable Chimney Sweep?
Finding a reputable chimney sweep can be a tedious task as any weekend warrior could step up for the task. Keep in mind that chimneys play an important role and could easily turn deadly if not repaired, replaced, built, or cleaned properly. However, the good news is there are many certified individuals and services out there that could get the job done without any risks attached.
Once you have multiple options in hand, you can contact and get a quote for their services. Make sure that you get the chimney inspected as well for any signs of leakages or cracks. Your chimney needs to be perfect in terms of structure. If needed, the repairs or replacements will go first, followed by maintenance.
How Often Should A Chimney Be Cleaned?
The cleaning and maintenance of a chimney depend on the intensity of usage. If you are using it almost throughout the year, you will need to clean it at least twice a month or opt for professional cleaning once a month.
However, if the usage is for just a few months of the year, you should inspect and clean it on your own at least once a month or opt for professional maintenance at least once in two months, so that it is ready to use when the winter season sets in.
Conclusion
A chimney that has not been cleaned for too long carries several risks. Not only that, you will regularly need repairs and replacements that will cost you thousands of dollars in the long run. Therefore, regularly clean and maintain your chimney or hire a chimney sweep service Bowie to keep the chimney working for years to come.
