A Chimney Sweep Service: An Important Part Of Your Fire Safety Plan
An inadequate exhaust method that is due to blockages within a chimney can lead to carbon monoxide buildup in a home. Creosote and soot can hinder the air quality in a home, or lead to a fire spreading within a fireplace and chimney. Chimney sweeps are critical service providers who can be added to your fire safety plan.
Upkeep
The upkeep of a chimney is important, especially after heavy usage or after long periods when a fireplace hasn't been operated. Both wood-burning fireplaces and gas-burning fireplaces require the use of an exhaust system. Often, the exhaust system that is attached to either of these fireplace styles is a chimney. A chimney connects directly to the fireplace and is responsible for venting smoke, ash, and other remnants that are yielded when a fire is burning.
Upkeep of a chimney should be conducted annually. It should also be conducted at the onset of purchasing a used home. Sometimes, the seller of a home will have the chimney inspected and cleaned. A chimney sweep will furnish the seller with an itemized list of the cleaning processes they conducted. A seller of a piece of property can furnish a buyer with the information that pertains to the maintenance of the chimney.
Cleaning Processes
A chimney sweep often offers interior and exterior services. Interior services involve inspecting the fireplace, cleaning soot and creosote that is noted, and inspecting the structure of the fireplace and the opening of the chimney. Exterior services involve, checking the chimney cap and the liner inside of the chimney. A chimney sweep will determine if there are any weak spots in the chimney that will necessitate that some of the structural materials are replaced.
Some professional sweeps use camera systems. A camera system involves the use of a mobile camera and a video screen. The camera will be directed through the chimney. It will capture footage of the interior walls. A sweep will be able to determine how severe the buildup is along the interior walls. They will also be able to pinpoint where their cleaning strategies will need to be focused.
If creosote buildup is severe, it may look like a thick, ink-colored mass that is attached directly to the interior parts of the chimney. A chemical agent is often essential in removing thick buildup from the inside of a chimney. Various tools will also aid in cleaning the interior.
For more information, contact a chimney sweep near you.