Chimney Sweeps Help Winterize Your Home
In many areas, the arrival of autumn brings bracingly cool days. It is also typically the time when people should have chimney sweeps inspect and clean their fireplace and chimney.
Even though a chimney and fireplace may appear to be in good condition on the outside, there may be underlying internal and structural issues due to age and/or normal use. Chimney sweeps will inspect your chimney’s brickwork, cap, crown, and flashing. They can perform other services like gutter cleaning, dryer vent cleaning, and looking for broken or loose roof tiles and shingles. Chimney sweeps will clean the interior of your chimney and fireplace, then they will perform an inspection.
Sometimes birds, squirrels, and other animals build nests in chimneys, which can lead to fires when the fireplace is used. More extensive work can be required to get your fireplace and chimney working safely, though. If your chimney is clogged with soot, damages or dirt, the gases, smoke and fumes will enter into your home. Whether your chimney is leaking, has cracks or missing mortar, etc, a certified chimney sweep is often a mason as well, so he can service all your chimney’s issues.
When looking for a chimney sweep to hire, you can browse through your local phone book and online directories for your area. Form a list of candidates, then query each for their certifications, how long they have been in business, and a list of references within the last year or shorter. As with other home improvement specialists, chimney sweeps must be licensed and certified to perform their jobs.
Regularly used fireplaces are a potential household fire hazard. Protecting yourself, your family, and your property from a chimney fire is only a telephone call away. Scheduling chimney sweeps to conduct yearly inspections of your chimney should be a regular preventive maintenance task for your home, like changing the batteries in your smoke detectors or the filters in your heat and air system.
Your home’s fireplace and chimney will require maintenance even if they are seldom used. Chimney sweeps are the most experienced professionals in cleaning and maintaining them. Don’t hesitate to hire one when needed.