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What Does a Chimney Sweep Do?

Chimney Sweep Pasadena, MD are trained to work on a roof, inside of the chimney and around fireplaces. They use a vacuum system with double HEPA filters to keep dust levels low and avoid staining floors or furniture.

It used to be that young boys were sent naked up narrow chimneys and this caused a lot of health problems for them. Scrotal cancer was common among them.

Creosote is a natural byproduct of burning fossil fuels, such as wood. It can damage your chimney and make your home less cozy, as well as present a serious health hazard to your family. Creosote builds up in your flue as vaporized byproducts from a fire condense, forming a sticky substance. This residue can also corrode and weaken your chimney’s lining. Creosote is toxic if inhaled, and it can cause lung irritation and other health issues. It can also cause a foul smell in your home.

If you have a fireplace and chimney, it’s important to get your chimney swept regularly. Chimney sweeps remove creosote and other deposits from the inside of your flue. This helps prevent dangerous and expensive chimney problems, such as a chimney fire. The type of creosote that builds up depends on how often you use your fireplace, the kind of wood you burn, and the size of your flue.

The first stage of creosote is soft and flaky, like soot. It’s easy to remove with a basic chimney brush. If you don’t clean it away, it can harden into the second stage, which looks more like tar. At this stage, it’s still somewhat flammable but is more difficult to remove with at-home products.

When left unchecked, this creosote can reach the third and final stage. This tar-like deposit can look like thick drippings down the inside of your flue. It’s a combustible material that can ignite and burn anything flammable in your fireplace, as well as your chimney and house.

You can help keep your creosote levels under control by putting out your fire promptly and sifting the ash before starting a new fire. Warming your flue before you light a fire can also help reduce creosote buildup. You can do this by making a torch out of rolled up paper and holding it against the flue opening for a few seconds before lighting your fire. Keeping your flue properly sized can also help reduce creosote deposits by restricting the flow of smoke and hot gases. This prevents them from cooling and re-condensing on the inner walls of your flue.

Safety Issues

A chimney that is not properly inspected, cleaned and repaired can be a fire hazard or allow dangerous carbon monoxide to flow into the home. The Consumer Product Safety Commission urges consumers to have their fireplaces, wood stoves and solid fuel burning appliances inspected and cleaned by qualified professionals annually.

Chimney sweeps not only remove creosote, but they also inspect and repair the structural components of the chimney including the flue liners, dampers and other parts that make up your chimney system. They can also inform you of any issues that are not apparent from the outside, like cracks and deteriorating mortar or damage caused by animals or weather.

Many scammers take advantage of homeowners by telling them their chimney is unsafe and must be immediately replaced, or that they need to hire a licensed chimney technician to complete expensive repairs. A professional chimney sweep is trained to look at your entire venting system and make sure it meets all current code requirements. A licensed chimney technician can provide you with a written estimate of any necessary repairs and explain the reasons for them.

A good chimney sweep will use a high powered commercial-grade, filtered vacuum system to remove ash and debris. They will also use a digital camera to document the condition of the chimney structure, including problems with flashing and deteriorated masonry. They will also test your fireplace’s draft and adjust your barometric damper as needed to ensure your chimney is functioning correctly.

One of the most common hazards in homes with fireplaces and wood stoves is the over-drafting of air, which forces smoke back into the living space, causing toxic fumes to enter the home. This is a sign that your chimney system needs a cap, a new damper or a replacement lining. A chimney sweep can recommend the best course of action, or you can ask a certified professional to perform these repairs, which are usually covered under your home warranty plan.

Other safety concerns that a chimney sweep can detect include operating your fireplace at too low of a temperature or overloading the firebox with too much wood, both of which can cause creosote buildup and other structural problems. They can also advise you on how to prevent these issues, such as by using the proper stove size for your home and only burning dry, seasoned firewood.

Odor Issues

A dirty chimney often has an odor that makes its way into the living areas of your home. When this happens, it is usually a sign that there is more than just creosote in your chimney. Chimney sweeps are able to remove the excess creosote that may be contributing to the smell but they also need to address the underlying issues that can lead to unpleasant odors.

Odor issues from a dirty chimney can be caused by moisture in the chimney as well as the presence of fungi or other organisms. In some cases, these odors are not only a nuisance but can be hazardous to your health. For example, aspergillosis, a fungal infection that can be found in masonry chimneys, can lead to lung infections and other serious diseases.

Fungi and other organisms thrive in moist, dark places such as chimneys. The problem is that as these organisms grow and multiply, they can begin to create toxic fumes that are not only offensive but can cause other serious health problems as well. Chimney sweeps will clean and scrub the inside of your fireplace and chimney to remove as much of these organisms as possible. They will also use a high-quality vacuum with a dual HEPA filter to ensure that the fungi and other organisms are not released back into your living spaces during this process.

In addition to reducing odors, having your chimney cleaned and inspected regularly will help keep your chimney in good condition. A clean chimney is essential to preventing dangerous fires and maintaining proper air flow and pressure in your house.

Even after a professional cleaning, odors from your fireplace can persist. This is because creosote absorbs into the porous masonry construction of your chimney and can be embedded deep within the lining. While a chimney sweep can remove the surface of creosote and limit the risk of a chimney fire, it is difficult to eliminate the smell of a fireplace that has absorbed the creosote into the masonry itself.

If you are experiencing odors from your fireplace, contact a CSIA certified chimney sweep as soon as possible. They can assess the odor issue and make recommendations for repair and maintenance.

Fireplace Maintenance

A clean chimney and fireplace system is a vital part of the home. It safely carries carbon monoxide and other byproducts of burning wood or gas, up and out of the home. A clean chimney is also more efficient, which can save homeowners money on heating costs. However, fireplaces need to be regularly inspected and cleaned to ensure they function properly and safely.

The NFPA recommends a professional inspection and cleaning of your fireplace, chimney and venting system at least once a year. This is especially true if you use your fireplace regularly, fire up more than two cords of wood or 36 fireplaces each season. Additionally, you should have your chimney inspected and cleaned anytime creosote buildup reaches 1/8 inch or more. During the cleaning process, your chimney sweep can also make sure there are no serious cracks in the chimney or flue liner, that the damper is working correctly and that the chimney cap is in good condition.

Chimney sweeps are often able to eliminate creosote buildup with regular cleanings. However, if the creosote has a chance to harden into a tarry glaze, it can become difficult to remove. This is known as severe creosote glaze and it can require multiple visits from a chimney sweep to completely remove. This specialized service can be costly and it’s important to keep in mind that your chimney needs to be swept and inspected before the next fire starts to avoid extreme creosote buildup and glaze.

Prior to your chimney sweep’s arrival, you should clear the area around the fireplace and remove any decorations or items that are on top of the mantle. This is important because the chimney sweep might accidentally knock these items over or cause them to fall during the cleaning process. Additionally, it’s a good idea to move any toys or other items away from the fireplace so they don’t get dirty or damaged during the inspection and cleaning.

Finally, you should also sand or vacuum the floor surrounding your fireplace before your chimney sweep arrives. This is because the chimney sweep may spill ash or debris on it during the cleaning and inspection process. If your flooring is made of a delicate material such as wood or carpet, you might want to cover it with a drop cloth to protect it.