Whether you are considering having a comprehensive chimney service completed or already have one in place, you must understand what can be expected from a professional company. This will help you to better assess whether it is the right choice for your needs.
Find a Reputable Company
Choosing a company to sweep your chimney is vital to keeping your home and family safe. There are many factors to consider, including experience, knowledge, and safety measures.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends having your chimney swept at least once a year. Potential risks like exposure to carbon monoxide, smokey fires, and masonry damage will all be reduced.
It’s crucial to pick a business with the appropriate insurance, such as Patriot Chimney. This will safeguard your residence, furniture, and other possessions. Ask if the business has positive customer reviews as well.
Using word of mouth is one of the best ways to locate a reputable business to clean your chimney. Obtain recommendations from family and friends. You can also look online for reviews. Several sites, including Google, offer ratings for various companies, giving you a better idea of the quality of service you can expect.
Aside from sweeping your chimney, there are other things that a reputable company should do. They should offer a written estimate and discuss any problems found during the inspection. They should also provide a complete report on the state of your chimney.
Level 1 Inspection
During a chimney sweep, a technician will perform a basic inspection of the flue and chimney structure. This includes looking at the flue liner, chimney crown, connectors, and other parts of the system. They will also remove any hazardous combustion byproducts from the flue, keeping soot from flying through the home.
A video scan with a closed circuit camera is another way to give the technician a comprehensive look at the surrounding area. The special camera can be pushed deep into the chimney to look for cracks or other hidden hazards.
A chimney sweep is also likely to use a special vacuum with a flexible brush head attachment to clean the inside of the flue. This keeps the sweep contained and prevents soot from flying through the home. The technician will also use commonly available hand tools to reach some areas of the chimney.
A chimney sweep will also check for the more obvious signs of damage or damage that could lead to a problem, such as a leaky or broken chimney cap. They will also check for internal cracks in the structure of the stack.
Precautions to Avoid
During a chimney sweep, there are some precautions to keep in mind. These are important to keep your home and family safe.
First, it is essential to keep your fireplace clean. Smoke can be very toxic and spread to other parts of your home. It is also essential to have smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Another essential thing to remember is that creosote is a flammable substance. This means it can cause a chimney fire if it gets too close to the firebox. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent creosote buildup.
First, remove the decorations from your fireplace and your mantle. Also, take the logs out of the firebox. This is especially important if you are preparing for a chimney inspection.
Second, you must have a clear path from your front door to your fireplace. You may have to move furniture or cover your rugs. Also, keep your pets away from the fireplace.
Cost
Having your chimney cleaned regularly is an essential part of maintaining your home. Doing this can clean your chimney of creosote buildup and other dangers. You’ll also benefit from better airflow. Having your chimney cleaned once or twice a year would be beneficial.
When choosing a chimney sweeper, you should ensure they are insured and bonded. You also should check their references. You should also ensure that they are a member of a reputable trade organization. These organizations have testing programs and continuing education opportunities.
Many chimneys sweeps also offer free level-one inspections. They will take a visual inspection of your chimney and may recommend repairs to keep it in good condition. This is also an excellent way to reassure you that they are trustworthy.
When hiring a chimney sweeper, you should ensure they are certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). They also should be insured. Several chimney sweep organizations also offer continuing education opportunities.
