It’s that time of year again when cleaning the fireplace and chimney is essential to the safety of your home. Whether it be gas, woodburning or simply you don’t use the fireplace, it’s always best to get the fireplace and chimney looked at. What are some of the reasons for chimney cleaning for gas and woodburning fireplaces? Let’s get into it.
Checking the Integrity of the Chimney, Chimney Flue and Fireplace
When a Superior Chimney certified technician checks your chimney system, there are three areas that are inspected: the chimney which out outside, the chimney flue which connects the outside chimney to the fireplace and the fireplace itself. The areas that need special attention is the chimney flue, as it is the space that is difficult to each. That’s where our special tools come in.
The technician will use special rods and brushes that are specifically sized for chimney flues in order to remove creosote, dust, debris and anything else that may have settled in the chimney flue. The build up of dust and debris occurs whether you use the fireplace or not, or if you have a gas or woodburning fireplace.
What else may happen? Bits and pieces of the chimney tiles may come loose and fall off. If this happens, we’ll work to reline the chimney with a stainless steel chimney liner to protect the walls and the integrity of the chimney interior.
Chimney Liner
A chimney liner is a fitted stainless steel piece of metal that guides the smoke up and out of the chimney. If you do not use the fireplace, the liner serves yet as a protectant to direct unwanted partials to go up and out of the home. Remember, just because you don’t use the fireplace, that doesn’t mean the next home owner will keep it turned off. A chimney liner is part of selling your home as it meets code requirements. One less thing to think about.
Fireplace Cleaning
The messiest of the cleaning for gas and woodburning fireplaces is the creosote found in woodburning fireplaces. This is the build up of the byproduct or soot from burning wood. As it burns, it sticks to the sides of the chimney flue. One of the most important reasons for it to be removed, is the flammability of the creosote material. It is vital to remove it for the safety of the home. Let’s not forget the dust and debris that also naturally gathers in the fireplace. This can include little critters, leaves and twigs that are also quite flammable. Even if you don’t use your fireplace, removing these flammable items are important to the health of your home.
Chimney’s Other Uses
Chimneys do more than vent your fireplace. Many household appliances, including your furnace, use the chimney flue to safely direct gases out of your home. Some of these gases can be harmful to you and your family. When your home is closed up and windows are shut, those gases have nowhere else to escape. The chimney helps keep your home clear of both noticeable and odorless gases, allowing them to vent safely outside.
Contact Us! Chimney Cleaning for Gas and Woodburning Fireplaces is an important part of caring for your home. Contact us today to have your chimney cleaned and inspected. If there’s any issues, you’ll receive pictures and an explanation so you can decide for yourself what is best for you and your home. Contact us today at 877-244-6349.