Don’t you wish we can have a homeowner’s manual for all the things we need to do and know as a homeowner? It’s all by trial and error…unfortunately. Did anyone every tell you about doing a chimney cleaning & inspection? Most homeowners will say, “I don’t use it,” or “I have a gas fireplace,” therefore, no reason to clean it…right?
Chimney inspections or fireplace inspections are performed in most homes. In a Level I inspection our CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep technicians will verify that your fireplace & chimney structures are sound, free of obstructions, and combustible deposits, such as creosote. What? What is creosote?
Wood Burning Fireplaces Need Annual Cleaning. No Exceptions.
Creosote is the main concern. Every time you burn wood, it builds up inside your flue. It’s sticky, it’s flammable, and left there, it becomes a serious fire hazard. A chimney inspection catches that buildup early before it becomes a problem that costs you far more than a routine annual cleaning.
Obstructions matter too. Birds, squirrels, raccoons, bats and debris find their way into chimneys more often than homeowners expect. A blocked flue doesn’t just smell bad; it pushes dangerous gases back into your home.
Gas Fireplaces Need a Cleaning & Inspection Too!
A lot of homeowners assume their gas fireplace doesn’t need cleaning. It burns clean, right? Not entirely.
Gas chimneys can build up acidic and corrosive substances along the flue. The longer these substances remain, the more damage they can do to your fireplace and its parts. Again, that’s not something you want to ignore.
Debris also collects in the vents, the flue, and inside the chimney of gas fireplaces. This restricts the airflow and can cause odors. Add in the possibility of animal nests or moisture damage and an annual inspection starts to make a lot of sense.
The bigger concern with gas? Carbon monoxide. Gas fireplaces produce carbon monoxide if not properly vented. That’s an invisible, odorless threat to you and your family.
What the Experts Recommend
The National Chimney Sweep Guild and the National Fire Protection Association both recommend that homeowners call a certified chimney sweep for an annual chimney inspection. Only a qualified, certified professional will be able to identify and resolve these issues. That’s a safety standard backed by two of the most respected organizations in the industry.
Don’t Wait Until Something Goes Wrong
Annual chimney cleaning & inspection is one of the easiest things you can do to protect your home. It keeps your fireplace running safely and efficiently whether it be wood burning or gas. All you need to do as a homeowner is schedule it once a year. And make sure the sweep you hire is CSIA Certified and an NCSG member. Your family’s safety depends on it. Contact us today to schedule your chimney clean and check at 877-244-6349.