Prevent future issues with yearly chimney cleaning
Cleaning your chimney is essential to keeping them running properly and safely, and hiring a reputable chimney sweeping company is important when maintaining your chimney.
If you notice a problem with your fireplace, such as bad odor or smoke leaks, or if you notice a tar-like substance forming on the inner walls of the chimney, it’s time to have your chimney inspected by a professional.
When you’re searching for a chimney sweep in the Greenville area, call Alliance Masonry. With our experience not only at sweeping chimneys but also chimney inspections and repairs, we are your local chimney experts.
What is a Chimney Sweep?
Simply put, a chimney sweep is a person who clears ash and soot from chimneys.
Chimneys may be straight or contain many changes of direction, making some difficult to clean.
During normal operation, a layer of creosote builds up on the inside of the chimney, restricting the flow. The creosote can also catch fire, setting the chimney and the building alight.
This is why the chimney must be swept (cleaned) to remove the soot.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chimney Sweeping
The general recommendation is once per year, the same as with chimney inspections. And you should generally get the chimney swept first, because buildup can hide damage that would otherwise be caught during the inspection. In cases of high use or where you notice signs of build-up or blockages, having it cleaned multiple times per year might be needed.
Creosote is a tar-like substance made from unburned wood particles and condensed flue gases that can accumulate in the flue.
Creosote has three main problems. First, it is highly flammable and burns hot, so it can cause chimney fires. Second, heavy buildup can reduce the chimney's draft, causing the backup of smoke and harmful flue gases into your home. Finally, while not a safety concern, creosote creates an unpleasant odor.
If you notice any of these signs between annual cleanings, you should schedule another chimney sweeping: a foul odor emanating from the fireplace; smoke backing up into your home; or oily black stains on the fireplace or chimney. All are signs of either creosote buildup or something else blocking your chimney.
You might think that a chimney fire is not a big deal, given that a chimney's purpose is to deal with the gases produced by fire. This unfortunately is not the case. Because creosote burns hot (up to 2,000 degrees), chimney fires can damage the structural integrity of the chimney, even melting mortar. They can also sometimes spread to the rest of the house, either directly or through embers falling on the roof. If you have even a small chimney fire, you should not use your chimney until it is inspected.
Generally annual sweepings should be done in spring or summer so that the chimney is ready for when temperatures begin to drop. They can be done anytime of the year, however, and if one is needed, you should not delay just to hit a specific time window.
Benefits of Using Alliance Masonry for Your Chimney Sweeping
- Prevent a chimney fire. Chimney fires can reach a temperature of over 2,000 degrees. They can damage a chimney and start a house fire.
- Prevent corrosion of the chimney system. Soot and creosote are acidic and will deteriorate metal and mortar.
- Prevent smoke problems. The build-up of soot and creosote in a chimney reduces its diameter and restricts its flow capacity. This could keep smoke from properly exiting via the chimney.
- Increase efficiency. Soot and creosote in a chimney can also affect the optimum draft for efficient heating. In wood stoves, soot and creosote can act as an insulator and restrict the full amount of heat produced from entering the room.
- Reduce foul odors. Soot and creosote can smell awful, especially in wet weather.
- Promote better inspections of the chimney. A build-up of soot and creosote can cover up cracks and other damage and deterioration in a chimney, so it is recommended that a chimney be cleaned before a proper inspection is done.
Searching for a Chimney Sweep Near You in the Greenville, SC, Area? Contact Us Today
Call us at 667-786-4914 to schedule an appointment or click the button below.