Thursday, May 31, 2012

What is the importance of a chimney sweep?

Chimney sweeps are very important as they test the worthiness and integrity of your chimneys firewalls. An annual chimney sweep will help to protect your home from chimney fires.

“Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary.”

- NFPA 211 (National Fire Protection Association)

There are three primary purposes in completing a chimney sweep. They are as follows:

  1. Integrity purposes – While cleaning the chimney a certified chimney sweep will stick a rod up the chimney to remove any dirt and debris. In the process if anything alarming falls out, such as fire clay tile joints, brick, etc. then further measures will have to be taken to restore the chimney to useable condition.
  2. Cleaning – The actual cleaning of the chimney is extremely important. When wood burns it creates soot, also known as creosote. The creosote can coat the inside of the chimney and cause fires. It is extremely flammable. The creosote MUST be cleaned out in order to prevent chimney fires.
  3. Obstruction free assurance – Unfortunately, animals such as birds, squirrels, bats and raccoons commonly live in chimneys. They build their nests in chimneys and this causes blockage. Along with the nests, excessive creosote buildup and broken/collapsed chimney liners can clog the chimney. These obstructions have to be removed in order to prevent chimney fires.

Remember the cleaner your chimney is, the less likely it is that they will catch on fire! Call us for a chimney sweep and inspection at 877-CHIM-FIX (877-244-6349).