How Often Do I Need My Chimney Cleaned?

We know, we've posted about this topic before, but it's very important and stands to be reiterated.

Chimney cleaning intervals are based on usage. The more wood burned the more creosote accumulation within. It is recommended to sweep your wood-burning chimney after every face chord of wood burned. The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) code 211 says, "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." Annual inspection with a fireplace chimney sweep as required. This is the National safety standard!

Call Superior Chimney today at 877-CHIM-FIX (877-244-6349). We will answer your questions and schedule a time to inspect your chimney.

Common Question: Why Do I Need to Have My Chimney Cleaned?

Chimney sweeps are for integrity purposes, cleaning, and obstruction free assurance. Creosote, also known as soot, is a natural byproduct of burning wood. As the smoke goes up your fireplace chimney, creosote clings to the inner walls of your chimney. Creosote is highly flammable and causes chimney fires. An annually chimney sweep with inspection helps to provide safe continuous use as recommended by Code 211 of the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association).

Call Superior Chimney today at 877-CHIM-FIX (877-244-6349). We will answer your questions and schedule a time to inspect your chimney.

Chimney and Fireplace Smoke Problems and Solutions

Have you ever noticed that your fireplace has dark soot stains above where you burn your fire? Does your home ever fill with smoke or smell like smoke while the fireplace is in use? If so, you may have a chimney and fireplace smoke problem. Not to worry, we can help!

There are many reasons that fireplaces smoke. Below is a list of the most common reasons.

• The damper is fully open.
• The firewood is green or wet from rain or snow.
• The chimney is dirty.
• The chimney isn’t tall enough.
• The flue isn’t large enough for the fireplace opening.
• The chimney is on an outside wall of the house.
• The home can be too tight or too loose!
• There’s also a chance there were design problems when the fireplace was built.

Call Superior Chimney Services Corp. today, so one of our CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps can assess your chimney and its termination environment to pin point the cause(s) of your fireplace smoke back up and prescribe the resolution!

Why Get a Chimney Sweep?

Does your house have a chimney? Well, if it hasn’t been swept in over a year, it needs to be! You might say you only use your fireplace on special occasions, or extra cold nights, so you don’t need to have your chimney swept once a year. Well, the truth is, no matter how often you use your chimney it should be swept at least once per year. Why? Read the reasons listed below!

• A CSIA Certified technician will be able to examine your chimney for fire worthiness. If your chimney is blocked by debris, or excess build up it’s a serious fire hazard. Additionally, you could be breathing in fatal amounts of carbon monoxide if all of the smoke is unable to escape.
• It isn’t uncommon for animals such as birds, squirrels, bats and raccoons to live in chimneys. The animals 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. Freeze & thaw cycles of winter deteriorate chimneys.
• Preventative maintenance is key! If you have cracks in your chimney a licensed professional will find them and repair them before they turn into a bigger issue.

Call Superior Chimney Services, Corp. to schedule a chimney sweep to ensure your chimney is in tip top shape! We can be reached at 877-244-6349.