A crackling blaze in a fireplace warms the soul and the body. Yet over time, the interior of a chimney can become inefficient and dangerous due to the buildup of creosote and other substances or because of blockages caused by leaves and nests. Cracks and other damage to the flue can divert carbon monoxide, smoke, or flames to the house itself. The less frequently you use your fireplace, or the shorter the period of time a fire is permitted to burn at full heat, the more often the flue should be inspected and cleaned. A cold chimney causes more of the smoke to condense on the flue. People who damp down a fire by closing fireplace doors or shutting off the flow of oxygen from a vent usually send more partially burnt solids up the chimney, which results in a more rapid buildup within the flue.
Experts recommend that homeowners who light fires three or more times a week during the winter season should have a chimney cleaning and inspection once a year; if homeowners burn unseasoned wood in a fireplace, twice-yearly cleaning may be necessary. That’s why there is a job as chimney cleaning. The chimney cleaner works to inspect fireplace chimney, firebox, smoke shelf, and damper for blockages, cracks, and buildup of hazardous substances. They mechanically clean interior of the flue. They also remove ash, creosote, and other substances dislodged during cleaning, and also assist the homeowner in obtaining necessary repairs from a qualified mason. But, make sure that your insurance coverage offers adequate protection against liability claims that result from damage that may occur after you have completed your inspection and cleaning.
