Chimney sweeping is a messy job. As a result, it’s important to protect your furniture and carpets from dust and debris. The CSIA recommends cleaning chimneys when the walls have 1/8″ of buildup. It is also a good time to inspect your chimney and flue liners.
Preparation
Chimney sweeps are trained to spot signs of trouble with a fireplace and chimney that homeowners may not see. If a chimney sweep tries to frighten you by showing you debris they say is from inside your chimney or fireplace, get a second opinion before agreeing to any work being done. Professional chimney sweeping Wallkill NY companies will take precautions to keep your home clean and mess-free while sweeping and inspecting your fireplace and chimney. They will lay down a path of clean, plastic-backed sheets from the entrance to the fireplace opening. They must have insurance since they will climb on your roof for a level 1 inspection. It would help to ask any chimney sweep you are considering for their credentials before hiring them. Reading reviews about them on reputable home improvement websites is also a good idea. Additionally, it is a good idea to clear your mantel of decorative items and fireplace tools that could be disturbed or knocked over during the cleaning process.
Safety First
A professional chimney sweep will begin by assessing your fireplace and the condition of its components, checking that it is safe to use and compliant with part J of building regulations. They will advise you if they find any underlying issues with your fireplace or its liner. Repairing these problems as soon as possible is important to reduce the risk of a fire breaking out in your fireplace or house. It only takes a small accumulation of creosote glazing to cause a chimney fire. The team will remove any accumulated debris and coating from the chimney, scraping it off your flue’s walls and the fireplace opening. They will then vacuum it using a specialized vacuum to prevent soot or dust from escaping your home. A path of clean, plastic-backed sheets will be laid from the front door to the fireplace and their equipment will be placed on these to protect your carpet or flooring.
Cleaning Up
During cleaning, a chimney sweep will remove creosote glazing and soot from your chimney liner, firebox and smoke chamber. It may also inspect and repair your flue liner if it’s cracked, deteriorating or damaged. A dirty chimney can create toxic gases, including carbon monoxide, that leak into the home. It can also cause a chimney fire, damaging the fireplace and chimney or even destroying the house. Before hiring a chimney sweep, ask about their experience and references. It’s also wise to check a company’s reputation on the Better Business Bureau site and online reviews. Also, find out if they’re CSIA certified. They should be able to show you proof of their certification. You can also check on the CSIA website. Also, make sure they use drop cloths or plastic to protect your floors, furniture and belongings from soot and dust. They should also bring a dual HEPA filter vacuum to keep the mess as minimal as possible.
Final Words
If it’s been a while since your chimney has last been swept or you’re wondering whether it needs to be inspected, it’s always best to contact your local sweep and have a professional give you an honest answer. These professionals will be able to advise you on whether or not your chimney and flue system is safe to use. If you have yet to have your chimney swept recently, you can expect much soot and other debris to fall into your fireplace. However, if you choose the right chimney sweep, this shouldn’t creep into your living space or make a mess in your home. Your chimney sweep will take all precautions to ensure that a clean and mess-free job is done. A path of clean, plastic-backed sheets will be laid down from your front door to your fireplace opening and the sweeping equipment will be placed on top of these sheets. This method of blocking off the total process separates professionals from amateurs and prevents sweeping dust from escaping onto your floors.
