There may not be a standard time-frame applicable across chimneys concerning when and how often these need sweeping, but the fact of the matter is that it does need to be done in a timely fashion. Not doing so could result in a house fire. Besides, the heating will not be to your satisfaction. A timely chimney sweep saves loads of trouble and expenses later on. As they say, a stitch in time saves nine!

When do you know that it is time for a chimney sweep?

One might imagine that one could have some ground rules about determining that it is time for a chimney sweep regarding the number of times a chimney has been used, but things don’t really pan out like that and the reason for that is creosote. Now there is no telling when it will form as it occurs on account of improper burning of wood.

Chimney Fires

If the oxygen supply inside the flue is inadequate, it could lead to a fire which emits a lot of smoke, causing unburned tar vapors to get deposited inside the fireplace flue. This is a dangerous situation as the chimney now becomes susceptible to catching fire. Ensuring an adequate supply of oxygen will allow for cleaner combustion and can forestall such an event.

Scratching the black surface above the damper with a fireplace poker (wearing protective goggles and a dust mask) will give you a fair idea about creosote buildup. If you can create ⅛ of an inch groove, you should schedule a chimney sweeping. In case the groove is as much as ¼ of an inch, it would be dangerous to use the chimney again until you get it cleaned.

Signs That Tell You That It’s Time for a Chimney Sweep

  • The fire takes an inordinately long time to start and when it does, it doesn’t burn too well.
  • The fire gives out a lot of smoke that sometimes even wafts into the room and the rest of the house.
  • A bad odor spreads in the house when the chimney in not use that sometimes smells like burnt wood.
  • The sounds of a bird or an animal inside the walls.
  • Winter is around the corner and you still haven’t had your annual inspection yet.
  • Your fireplace is old and appears to be crumbling.
  • You hardly ever use your fireplace.
  • Soot dropping into the fireplace.
  • You notice cracks in the structure, as well as the buildup of mould.

The presence of some or all of the above signs is, sure enough, an indicator that it is time that you get a professional chimney sweep. You may want to take the onus for that upon yourself, but considering the safety issues involved, it makes eminent sense to hire the services of a professional chimney sweep like Sootmaster.

Professional Chimney Sweeps

Being professionals, you can be sure that they will do a thorough job of removing the creosote and not leave anything to chance. It will also save you many hours of your time as well as the hassle of having to do it yourself. It is also a lot safer since you won’t have to climb up to the top of the roof yourself to access the chimney for cleaning.

A professional chimney sweep will also take care of the cleaning after the job is done. There is nothing that you are leaving to chance when you hire a professional sweep. Everything from the tools they use and the manner in which they carry out a chimney sweep is primed to doing a good job.

If you undertake it yourself, you may have to do the sweeping again shortly, on account of not doing a precise job. Sure, you may have to pay for the service, but ultimately it will be cheaper regarding time saved and a job well done. All you need to do is to look forward to a nice and cozy winter.

To learn more about chimney sweeps and how long it takes to get these done, make an appointment below today!