Chimneys bring us the joy of enjoying a cozy fire in the fireplace on a cold winter night. They work hard to remove the hot gases from your home to keep you safe. After some time, your chimney becomes filled with soot and ash and requires a thorough sweeping. If you were wondering how often chimneys should be swept or how do you know when your chimney needs sweeping, then Chimney Cricket has the answers for you.
As a rule of thumb, you should sweep your chimney once a year no matter the type of fireplace you have in your home. Because of the dangerous consequences, a yearly chimney sweeping should not be avoided or put off until the next year. When a chimney is not maintained properly, a substance called creosote builds up. Due to creosote’s high flammable content, a chimney fire is very likely to occur. Your home can be properly protected from a chimney fire with a yearly chimney inspection and sweep.
If you use your fireplace more than the average person, you may need to sweep it more frequently. But, how do you know if that applies to you and your chimney? Unfortunately, performing a chimney inspection without a professional is rather difficult. A clean fireplace can often fool homeowners into thinking their chimney is spotless. Luckily, there are a few signs you can look out for to help you determine when your chimney needs to be swept.
The first sign that indicates that your chimney needs to be swept is if you smell smoke after you burn a fire in your fireplace. Fireplaces should never smell of burned wood after the fire is put out. A strong smell that comes from your fireplace is a good indicator as well. Next, your chimney should be swept if you notice your fireplace surround starting to turn black, which is a sign of creosote build-up. If it takes more effort to build or maintain a fire or your fires just seem to be burning oddly, then it is likely that your chimney needs to be swept. Lastly, if you’re noticing that some furry friends from outside are nesting in your chimney, then a chimney sweeping is recommended.
Now that you understand how important it is to get your annual chimney sweeping, you may be wondering “who has the best chimney sweep services near me?” If you live in Villanova or the surrounding area, then Chimney Cricket is your go-to for unmatched chimney sweep services. At Chimney Cricket, we understand the consequences of an improper chimney sweep, so you can trust that we will provide you with a proper and effective sweep that will keep you and your home safe. Contact us today to learn more about our chimney services or to schedule an appointment!