How to Choose a Chimney Cleaning Service

Before allowing someone to clean your chimney, make sure that you ask them to provide you with a quote for the work. The price of a chimney cleaning project will depend on the level of inspection and number of flues involved. Another factor that affects cost is the accessibility of the roof. If your chimney is on a steep pitch, it is more difficult to clean it and may require special equipment and chimney cleaning near me services will come in handy.

 

You can also check the credentials of a chimney cleaning company by checking out their website. Make sure to check if they are certified by the CSIA. Also, you can ask for references from family, friends, and neighbors. This way, you know exactly who you are dealing with. Choosing a chimney cleaning company can be a daunting task, but with the right resources, it can be easy to find a reliable service.

 

If you want your chimney to be safe, you should regularly clean it. If you don't clean it regularly, it will build up flammable debris and cause a chimney fire. These fires can spread to the main house. NFPA standard 211 states that chimneys should be inspected, cleaned, and maintained annually.

 

To determine the best time to clean your chimney, you should consider the frequency of usage, the type of wood used, and the temperature of the fire. Dryer wood burns more efficiently and produces less creosote. Creosote is highly flammable and can start a chimney fire. Experts recommend cleaning a chimney every fifty or so fires.

 

The cleaning process can be very messy. You should wear a face mask and safety glasses to protect yourself from soot. Another important tip is to cover the area around the fireplace with tarps or drop cloths. Get a professional chimney sweep  who will have the skills to safely climb the chimney roof and clean the chimney thoroughly.

 

In addition to cleaning the chimney, you should also clean the utility flue, or utility pipe, once a year. A dirty utility flue can be just as dangerous as a dirty chimney. When clogged, toxic carbon monoxide can leak into the home. Even the smallest amount of carbon monoxide can make you sick or even cause death. Children are especially susceptible to carbon monoxide poisoning. Cleaning your utility flue will help prevent the buildup of carbon monoxide.

 

While some homeowners prefer to clean their chimney themselves, professional chimney sweeps can help you with the job. Ask around and get recommendations on the best chimney sweep company in your area. Look for a company that has been certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) or the National Chimney Sweep Guild. Both organizations promote professionalism and safety in the chimney cleaning industry. A professional chimney sweep can provide a comprehensive service at a reasonable price.

 

After the invention of the machine, white chimney sweeps began to give up the trade in the northern US and employed black sweep boys to clean chimneys. After the turn of the century, the industry began to be regulated. Find out more details in relation to this topic here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chimney_sweep.