Wood doesn’t burn cleanly. When wood is burned, various pollutants are released, which cover the inside of the chimney. In addition, the weather and birds, rats, and other animals can bring organic, combustible waste into the chimney. Wind can also deposit leaves and twigs in chimneys without flue coverings. However, the real issue in a chimney that has to be addressed is creosote, which is extremely difficult to remove, even using DIY approaches.
You may clean your chimney in a few different ways suggested by Chimney and masonry downriver Michigan. Climbing on your roof is a common way that one person may complete with the assistance of a ladder. However, cleaning the chimney from inside your fireplace is one of the messiest jobs you’ll ever encounter, so leave it to the experts.
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Why Does Your Chimney Need Cleaning?
You will notice a slowdown in wood burning if you do not clean your chimney regularly. Fires will be more challenging to start and burn with less ferocity than before. However, the essential purpose of cleaning a chimney is to prevent a chimney fire. Chimney fires start with gunshot-like snaps and pops and build to a deep rumbling sound. Creosote streams down into the fireplace, oily, black, and burning.
What Happens During the Chimney Fire?
When the fire starts, it starts with a bang. The top of the chimney erupts in flames, which cascade down into the firebox. The flue may split at an unreachable mid-point due to thermal expansion, shooting flames into the walls from the inside. Chimney fires are usually out of the homeowner’s control. The house is flooded due to firefighters having to blast water from the top down. In many situations, the house is destroyed.
When to Clean the Chimney?
Before the fire-burning season begins in the early fall, you should clean chimneys. If you employ a chimney sweep, late summer is ideal for self-cleaning because you can be sure of a dry, safe roof and the moderate weather you’ll need to complete the task.
Safety Measures:
The majority of homeowners hire a chimney sweep, especially if the chimney hasn’t been cleaned in a long time. Request referrals from friends and neighbors to find a good chimney sweep provider. Inquire if a company is certified for chimney sweep safety and professionalism. It is possible to clean your chimney if you are very comfortable with heights and have expertise ascending your home’s roof. Maintain your safety by following the ladder safety procedures and having assistance keep an eye on you when on the roof.