Long-term use of a fireplace requires regularly cleaning the chimney to prevent the risk of fire from the build-up of toxic flammable chemicals produced as byproducts. Creosote is a highly flammable substance that sticks to the inside of your chimney as smoke and gases from the fire are into the outside air through your chimney. This residue also reduces the flow of air through your chimney into your fireplace. This means that your fire may not burn as well as normal, which may further lead to less warmth and higher heating costs. If left untreated, creosote build-up can cause a fire that may spread quickly through your home. You can prevent the danger of a home fire caused by creosote build-up, and the costly expense of repairing your home if a fire occurs, by hiring chimney sweeps, or using the right tools to clean your chimney, yourself.
A professional chimney sweep can handle all duties associated with cleaning, maintaining, operating, and repairing your chimney. The chimney sweep’s primary job is to ensure the same operation of your chimney, to prevent fires and the release of toxic fumes. He or she will clean the particle residue and debris from both the chimney and the chimney pit. Some chimney sweeps may also be certified to perform masonry work for chimneys that require it. Before hiring a chimney sweep, be sure that he or she carries insurance for accidents that may occur on the job. Also, gather references from previous clients, and ask about his or her chimney sweeping experience. Contact the Chimney Safety Institute of America’s website at csia.org to find a list of Certified Chimney Sweeps near you.
If you choose to clean your own chimney, the primary tool needed is a chimney brush. Chimney brushes are used to remove built-up creosote and soot that collects in your chimney after each use of the fireplace. Proper creosote and soot removal will prevent fires, and reduce your chimney cleaning expenses over time. You must first measure your chimney to determine what size brush you need. Different chimney sizes require different brushes for best results. Three types of brushes exist for chimney sweeping: the wire-bristle brush, the flatwire bristle chimney brush, and the poly chimney brush. The wire-wire bristle brush is the most common of the three, but is not used in chimneys with metal flues. Flatwire bristle brushes are stiffer, and are used to remove hardened creosote and soot. Poly bristle brushes are stiffest and best used in metal chimneys.
You will best enjoy the use of your fireplace when you maintain a clean chimney. Regular chimney cleaning and maintenance will reduce build-up of harmful chemicals produced as you burn fires in your fireplace. Without proper maintenance, these toxic chemicals increase the risk of a fire in your chimney, which may then spread through you entire home. For proper cleanings, consider hiring certified chimney sweeps that have the expertise and the tools to ensure that your chimney is free of harmful debris.