Every home with a fireplace needs a chimney. They help to vent smoke and odors and play a crucial role in preventing fires. Unfortunately, many homeowners neglect their chimneys, leading to problems such as a buildup of soot and creosote or damage to bricks and mortar. If you are unsure how to care for your chimney correctly, it is best to hire a professional sweep. They provide chimney cleaning in Portland, OR that will remove all the buildup from your chimney and ensure it is in good working condition.
A wood or gas fireplace is a great way to add warmth and ambiance to your home. But it can become a hazard if you don’t take care of your chimney. Chimneys and fireplaces cause more than 25,000 house fires each year. Therefore, proper chimney maintenance can help prevent many of these fires.
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Chimney Cleaning Issues
Here are some of the most common problems that can occur if you don’t have your chimney cleaned and repaired regularly:
A buildup of creosote – Creosote is a substance produced when wood burns. It is a sticky, flammable substance that can build up on the walls of your chimney. if it is not removed, It can catch fire causing a chimney fire.
A blockage – For efficient operation, your chimney must be clear of any blockages. If not, smoke and other gases like carbon monoxide can flow back into your home. Common causes of blockages include animal nests, leaves, and debris.
Dirty damper – A damper is a metal plate that opens and closes to prevent air from flowing out of your chimney when the fireplace is not in use. If it is not working correctly, it can allow animals and water to enter your home.
Damage to bricks and mortar – Over time, the bricks and mortar of your chimney can become damaged by weathering, water, and heat. This can cause the chimney to collapse or allow dangerous gasses to enter your home.
Chimney flue buildup – The flue is the inner lining of your chimney. It can become damaged by a buildup of soot and creosote. In addition, carbon monoxide and other gasses can seep into your home if there are cracks or holes in the flue.
Checklist of Questions to Ask Chimney Sweeps
Now that you know the importance of cleaning and repairing your chimney, you need to find a good sweep. Here is a checklist of questions to ask any potential chimney sweeps:
Are they certified? – Only hire a chimney sweep certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). Certification assures you of their knowledge and experience to correctly clean and repair your chimney.
Do they have insurance? – Make sure that the chimney sweep has liability and workers’ compensation insurance. This will protect you in case of any accidents that occur while they are working on your home.
How much experience do they have? – It is best to hire a chimney sweep with a successful track record. Ask them how long they have been in business and how many chimneys they have cleaned and repaired.
Do they offer free estimates? – A good chimney sweep will offer you a free estimate so that you know the cost before they start work.
Chimney Sweeps: What Are They Supposed To Do?
When you call a professional chimney sweep, there are certain things you can expect them to do. Here is a list of the most common services that they provide:
Inspection – The first thing the sweep will do is conduct a thorough inspection of your chimney. They will look for any damage or blockages and make a note of them. By using cameras and physically going up on the roof, they will assess the situation and make recommendations.
Cleaning – After the inspection is complete, the sweep will begin the cleaning process. This involves removing all the soot and creosote from your chimney. Additionally, they will clear any obstructions.
Repair – If there is any damage to your chimney, the sweep will make the necessary repairs. This might involve patching up cracks in the flue or repairing damage to the bricks and mortar.
What Is The Cost Of A Chimney Sweep?
Before hiring a professional chimney sweep, it is crucial to know how much the service will cost. The average cost of a chimney sweep is between $75 to $250. However, the price can vary depending on the extent of repair and cleaning that needs to be done.
It is important to have your chimney cleaned and repaired regularly. This will prevent dangerous gases from seeping into your home and causing a fire. A professional chimney sweep will be able to provide you with the services you need to keep your chimney in good condition.
