Being a homeowner comes with a long to do list. From home improvement projects to daily upkeep, there’s probably a lot on your mind when it comes to your home. However, the last thing that may come to mind is one of the most important: your chimney. Just like the rest of your home, your chimney and fireplace need regular cleaning and maintenance to work properly. Keeping your chimney clean is also the best way to prevent chimney fires. Look out for these five signs it’s time to have your chimney professionally cleaned.
1. Check Your Calendar
The National Fire Protection Association recommends having your chimney professionally cleaned and inspected at least once a year. If you’ve gone a year or more without having your chimney checked out, it’s best to go ahead and make an appointment with your local chimney sweep. Experienced chimney technicians like the ones at Sootmaster will make sure your chimney is clean and working properly.
2. Fireplace Odors
Do you have unpleasant smells coming from your fireplace? It’s most likely due to a buildup of soot and creosote, which are byproducts of burning wood. Creosote can stick to the walls of your chimney and is the leading cause of chimney fires.
3. Black Spots on Fireplace Walls
Have you noticed a black, oily substance on the walls of your fireplace? This is a buildup of creosote and can be removed by a chimney technician. It is important to remove creosote to prevent chimney fires.
4. Weak Fires
If it’s difficult to start a fire in your fireplace, your chimney could be clogged. Poorly burning fires can also be a result of a malfunctioning damper. Both issues restrict the amount of oxygen that reaches your fire, stopping it from burning properly. These problems can be fixed by a knowledgeable chimney technician.
5. Animals In Your Chimney
Animals and animal nests can restrict the flow of air in your chimney or even catch fire. If you hear noises coming from your chimney or notice nests on top of it, call your local chimney sweep to have the animals safely removed.
Keeping your chimney clean is an important part of home maintenance. Not only does a clean chimney make your home look better, it also prevents dangerous chimney fires. Call the experts at Sootmaster to schedule an appointment for a cleaning and inspection.