If you have a fireplace in your home, you most likely use it to keep yourself warm during cooler times of the year. It is extremely important to take the time to have your chimney cleaned out regularly for safety reasons. Here are some common do it yourself chimney sweeping questions to read over to help you understand the process and why it is beneficial.
How Can I Tell if My Chimney Needs Cleaning?
You do not want to wait too long to clean your chimney to help avoid potential safety issues. In addition, you do not want to clean it out unnecessarily to save time and money. The National Fire Protection Association claims that chimneys should be inspected once a year. They do not put a timeline on cleaning frequency. If you do not use your chimney a lot, there is the possibility that an animal took up residence inside. There could also be deterioration inside of the chimney walls, which would put a damper on safety. Open masonry fireplaces need to be swept when there is 1/8″ of a buildup of soot inside. If you have a factory-built fireplace, sweep it whenever there is noticeable buildup.
Can You Clean a Chimney From the Bottom?
Most people would much rather do a chimney cleanout from the bottom portion if possible. With this type of cleaning, there is no need to climb up on a rooftop to conduct the process. To clean your chimney from the bottom, you need the proper tools and know-how to do the job. This process is done with a rotary cleaning system. Small whips attached to a rotating handle whisk away creosote and soot buildup. The tool itself is attached to a power drill and then inserted into the bottom portion of your chimney.
What is the Easiest Way to Clean a Chimney?
When it comes to chimney cleaning, you’ll want the easiest process possible to save you time and aggravation. If you are doing the procedure yourself, make sure you have all the necessary tools on-hand and in reach before you begin. Use a tarp to cover the exterior of your fireplace and surrounding area so soot does not settle inside of your home. Add hosing to a shop vacuum and place the vacuum unit outdoors so soot is directed away from your home when you use it. Use a brush to loosen debris from your chimney walls and then collect the debris inside of the shop vacuum. If debris has hardened, it is best to contact a professional to do the sweeping job.
How Often Should a Chimney be Cleaned?
Yearly cleanings of your chimney are best if you use your fireplace on a regular basis. If it is only used sporadically, it is still important to inspect it for soot buildup before you put it into use. If you are worried about using your fireplace due to inadequate or non-frequent cleaning, contact a professional chimney cleaning service for assistance.
What Happens if You Don’t Clean Your Chimney?
Failing to clean your chimney is a risk to your home and its inhabitants. A fire could occur if soot and creosote have accumulated on the chimney’s interior walls. This usually happens quickly without any warning at all. In addition, there is the potential for carbon monoxide to make its way into your home if smoke cannot be expelled through the top portion of your chimney without restriction. Because of these severe risks, it is extremely important to do regular inspections and cleaning sessions to ensure your fireplace is as safe as possible for use.