BASIC CHIMNEY CHORES YOU SHOULDN’T DISREGARD.
Chimney Sweep & More
Sweeping the floor, doing the dishes, and cutting the yard. Chores are an unavoidable aspect of daily life, despite the efforts of some among us to argue otherwise. Naturally, this also applies to chimney sweeps and upkeep, as well as the fireplace that goes along with them.
Keeping your family warm during winter the “old-fashioned way” can create a mess, from accumulating ashes to soot-sticking carpets. This doesn’t include serious issues like animal nests and cracked mortar, which can pose additional problems.
Tips to to Keep Chimney in its Prime
If you want to keep your chimney in its prime, ideal, working state, it is a must to follow these basic chimney chores:
1. The first step is always an inspection.
The first step to maintaining your chimney involves identifying any existing problems it may have. Regular inspections monitor the condition of your chimney and ensure it's still in good shape. Fix small problems early to prevent them from becoming nearly irreversible.
Moreover, make it a habit to inspect your fireplace and chimney, both inside and out, once a month. In addition, check the exterior of your chimney for any signs of masonry cracks or chipping. Normal erosion usually causes these issues, but they can also indicate a bigger problem, such as a leak.
2. Be cautious of obstructions.
Generally, air channels defend against indoor air contamination. Our team at On Time Home Experts ideally performs routine air channel cleaning, but consistently changing air channels improves indoor air quality. Furthermore, property owners can do this if they cannot access professional air cleaning services.
First, always burn only dry-cured wood. Next, this wood should be split and dried for 8 to 12 months, like hickory, beech, and ash. Then, avoid burning crates, painted wood, or building lumber because they release extra chemicals like creosote. Finally, these chemicals can cling to the inside of your chimney.
3. Clean the firebox regularly.
The firebox is the most iconic part of the fireplace structure, visible in every household with a fireplace. Therefore, cleaning it is always important. Unlike repairs or blockage removals ideally done by professionals, everyone can clean the firebox.
You will need a metal bucket, a face mask, gloves, a rag, and some cleaner. Wait until everything cools down to avoid burns. Ashes can stay warm for days, so exercise caution even after waiting. Always put a protective sheet on the floor and nearby furniture when cleaning.
Carefully scoop out all the ashes and put them in the bucket. If the bucket is full, take it to a safe area away from combustible materials. Pour water on top of the ashes and let them sit for a couple of days before disposing of them completely. You can also reuse the ashes as nutrients or fertilizer, or distill them into a cleaning solution.
4. Schedule a Chimney Sweep
No matter how careful you are or how frequently you do maintenance, you will eventually need a team of seasoned professionals to look after your chimney and fireplace. A chimney sweep will perform tasks outlined in this article to a much higher level, integrating additional skills to ensure every part of your chimney remains in ideal working condition.
A certified chimney sweep will diagnose issues with your chimney and fix them immediately. Along with diagnosing issues, a chimney sweep will also clean out all the creosote, soot, foliage, or animal nests that may obstruct your fireplace.
To avail a high-quality, satisfaction-guaranteed chimney sweep service, ensure certification. A certification from the Chimney Safety Institute of America is crucial. If you are unsure, crowdsource from your neighbors or the internet to see their recommendations.
5. Don’t ignore these important chimney chores.
Forgetting to perform even the basics of chimney cleaning, like checking the condition of your furnace once a season inside and out, can leave you with a sooty chimney and fireplace, as well as a potential safety hazard for you and your family.
Inspect the exterior for chips and cracks and check for blockages inside. When using the fireplace, use only recommended wood and keep the firebox clean. Finally, scheduling a chimney sweep is ideal to maintain everything in its optimal state.
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From a simple inspection to a full chimney sweep, you can rest assured that we at On Time Home Experts can do it for you! Since 2011, we have provided excellent chimney sweep and inspection services to thousands of customers. Our customer support professionals will be pleased to assist you further if you get in touch with us today!
