Routine chimney cleaning contributes to a safe and comfortable home. It keeps the flue free of creosote — the flammable, oily black residue from burning wood — as well soot and assorted obstructions, such as animal nests. This leaves your home safer and reduces any health hazards. Always leave chimney cleaning to professionals for several important reasons.

Why You Should Leave Chimney Cleaning to the Professionals

The Right Tools

Professional chimney sweeps use the proper tools, including industrial-strength vacuums, to thoroughly clean the flue. They know how to remove creosote correctly and safely to help you maintain a healthy home. Creosote features hundreds of different chemicals, and exposure to it or its vapors without the right protective gear and apparel will frequently result in skin blistering and peeling, increased sensitivity to sunlight, and eye damage.

Fires & Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Annual chimney cleaning keeps your flue from morphing into a serious fire hazard. Blockages from creosote, soot, animal nests, and other debris make it easy for chimneys to ignite and cause severe damage to your home. It also increases the chances of carbon monoxide poisoning when you use the fireplace. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless gas causing a variety of symptoms based on the exposure level, including nausea, headaches, shortness of breath, and dizziness.

Identification of Potential Issues

Chimney sweeps have the knowledge and experience to identify potential issues in your flue before they worsen and become greater, costly problems. They notice defects such as loose flashing around the chimney’s exterior, cracked or flaking brickwork, rust on the firebox or damper, and damaged flue liners. Annual chimney cleaning and inspection provides the preventative measures you need to avoid partial or total chimney collapse, black mold growth from flashing-related roof leaks, and other expensive issues to repair.

 

Schedule chimney cleaning every year to ensure safe and efficient fireplace use all winter. Work with the experienced and friendly experts at The Chimney Sweep, the Kernersville, NC, chimney inspection and cleaning company proudly serving the Triad area. The company also installs chimney caps to eliminate water damage and keep birds and other critters away from your flue. Call (336) 993-8999 to schedule a cleaning or visit the website for service details. Like them on Facebook for helpful maintenance tips.