When your chimney starts to deteriorate, it can lead to a dangerous situation in your home. From chimney crown repair to entire chimney replacement, follow this safety checklist to protect your family. An old chimney can cause fire hazards, damage from the elements, and structural damage. Let us help you crack the dirty chimney code now.
Inspection First
Before you start to maintain and clean your chimney yourself, take the time and effort to schedule a professional inspection. The inspection will reveal if you need professional cleaning, necessary chimney crown repair, replacement, or simple maintenance.
Why You Need to Clean Your Chimney
Over time the growing creosote from chimney use becomes a fire hazard. Once the fire starts, damage to your home and possible injury are inevitable. The flue runs is a duct running the length of the chimney. Built-up of soot, critters, nests, and precipitation can all affect it. If you choose not to clean your chimney at least yearly, you may end up with ignition and chimney fire.
Signs You Need Cleaning
What are common signs that you need to clean your chimney? Call a chimney repair specialist if you see:
- Creosote built up more than a quarter of an inch thick
- Puffy honey-combed creosote formation
- Creosote that looks like black cornflakes
- Fireplace is not drawing
- Damper is semi-open most of the time
- Smoke accumulates in the home
- Often use artificial logs
- Soot and creosote in the fireplace
The Solution
Often regular maintenance and inspection drastically reduce fire hazards from a dirty chimney. However, chimney sweeping is a daunting process. Call a professional to determine if you need a chimney sweep service to take care of your chimney.
Call our incredible team at Cummins Restoration. Trust us to inspect, clean, and repair your chimney. We have years of experience. Our friendly staff will be happy to answer your questions. Contact us today.