Why You Should Hire A Chimney Sweep Now
It’s spring cleaning season! One thing you definitely shouldn’t overlook this year, or any year, is your chimney cleaning.
Chimney experts like to joke that no one thinks about cleaning their chimney until they are holding a match on the first cold, autumn evening. It is an exaggeration that’s not far from the truth. There is a huge demand for chimney cleanings in the fall because most people wait until the last minute to call a chimney sweep. Waiting so long to have your chimney cleaned isn’t a good habit. The best time to schedule a chimney cleaning is now!
Why Schedule a Spring Chimney Cleaning?
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Catch Problems Early
Certified chimney sweeps don’t just clear out soot and creosote during a cleaning. We also perform a level one inspection to ensure that your chimney doesn’t show warning signs of heat damage, water damage, or structural problems. Problems in a ventilation system tend to compound quickly and can be a severe safety hazard. That’s why the National Fire Protection Association and Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommend an annual chimney cleaning and inspection.
These are just a few of the common problems we discover during chimney cleanings each year:
- Cracked, broken, or missing flue tiles
- Cracked and broken bricks and deteriorating mortar
- Warped or rusted metal chimney components (damper, chimney flashing, chimney cap, or chimney chase cover)
- Obstructions blocking the flue
- Warped, missing, or incorrectly sized chimney liner
The rain, heat, and humidity in the spring and summer can worsen many of these problems. You can save money and gain more time to solve the chimney problems by scheduling your chimney cleaning now.
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Prevent Water Damage
We often receive service calls from customers with a chimney leak. There are many ways that water can get into your chimney system. Fixing water damage can be expensive if it’s spread from your chimney to your home. A chimney leak can damage nearby walls, ceilings, flooring, insulation, and support beams. Water problems in your chimney can also deteriorate its structural integrity and create a breeding ground for toxic mold. It’s wise to have your chimney inspected before June, the rainiest month here in the Milwaukee area.
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Improve Your Home’s Air Quality
You will breathe better after your chimney has been professionally cleaned. Creosote, a flammable combustion byproduct that builds up in chimney flues, can stink up your home in the summer. When it is hot and humid, creosote has a sickly sour smell that can waft into your home. You won’t have to worry about it after your chimney’s been cleaning. Having all of the dust, soot, and creosote removed from your chimney will also improve your home’s over-all air quality. A professional chimney cleaning can greatly reduce indoor allergy symptoms and asthma flare-ups.
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Keep Critters Out
Many animals—from squirrels and raccoons to birds and snakes—like to nest in chimneys. During a cleaning, professional chimney sweeps will clear out animal nests, droppings, and dead carcasses from any critters that got stuck in your chimney. We highly recommend having a chimney cap installed if you don’t have one now to prevent animals from getting in your chimney again.
Professional chimney sweeps, certified by the CSIA, can do much more than inspect and clean out your chimney. We are also trained and experienced chimney technicians. We provide chimney repairs and improvements to ensure your fireplace or stove is safe to use. Burlington Fireplace & Heating’s team of chimney sweeps uses state-of-the-art tools to clean and repair chimneys. When you call on us, you can count on top-notch service and attention to detail. If you haven’t set up a chimney cleaning yet, give us a call! We serve customers throughout the Greater Milwaukee area.