Keeping a chimney clean can make it more effective and efficient and help to protect your home from a chimney fire. Dangerous buildups of substances inside of the chimney can allow a fire to spark, which may then spread to the outside of your home. Here’s how you can prevent such issues from occurring, and why you should always trust the toughest cleaning job to the professionals.
Preventing Creosote Buildup
Creosote is a tarlike substance that builds up in the lining of the chimney as a result of the combustion process. Water vapor mixes with carbon-based byproducts to create a sticky, flammable material that can become a major problem given enough time. While some amount of creosote buildup is inevitable with regular chimney use in the winter, there are some steps you can take to slow it down. Only use dry, seasoned wood (wood that has been left to dry for at least six months) in your chimney. The most creosote builds up when the fire first starts, so avoid using your chimney frequently but only for short periods of time.
Protecting from Water Damage
Water is one of the key threats to the construction and performance of your chimney. Water damage can allow a fire to spread, and it can also stain the chimney or add on to the creosote and make your entire home smell terrible. Keep water out of the chimney by installing a chimney cap, and call for an inspection each year to check for water damage.
Scheduling Service with a Professional
Professional chimney cleaning and inspection helps guard your home against creosote and other obstructions. Animal waste in the chimney, for example, may go undetected without the help of a professional, as can dangerous levels of creosote. Choose a CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) certified specialist if you want to feel confident that the job will be done right.
Get in touch with the friendly people at 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. for chimney cleaning service you can count on in Minneapolis–St. Paul, MN.
Call Us Today! 612.922.9600 or 1-888-PIXLEYS