When there is a fireplace in the home it offers a timeless atmosphere that many people are drawn to. It ups the value of the home and is something the whole family can enjoy, especially when the cold weather hits. Yet, with a fireplace comes responsibility, and scheduling regular cleanings and inspections is very important in maintaining the structural soundness of the chimney, as well as your family’s safety.
Scheduling Cleanings
Getting at least one yearly chimney sweep is vital in ensuring that your chimney is running efficiently. If you use your fireplace often, then a second cleaning is recommended. The longer you go without a cleaning, the more creosote will build up within your chimney, increasing your risk of house fires and putting your family in unnecessary danger.
Creosote is dark in color and may either be light and flaky or sticky, like tar. When you start to see this build up, it is time to call in a professional to do some cleaning. Creosote is highly flammable, so you will want to get rid of it as soon as possible. Cleaning the chimney can be done by the homeowner, but it is a lot of work and it is hard to ensure that the right chemicals and tools are used. An expert will know which products are safe for the brickwork and will make sure that every area of your chimney is properly addressed.
Scheduling Repairs
Another area of chimney care is getting cracks and other repairs looked into right away. One reason this is important is because of all of the smoke and toxins that are produced by the fires lit within the fireplace. If these gases cannot properly escape or are finding ways to enter your home, your entire family is put at risk for serious illness.
Be sure to regularly check your chimney for any gaps or other openings that should not be there. If you notice anything unusual, call in an expert right away, so that they can address any issues. Be sure to wait on lighting any fires until the problems are fixed to avoid risk of harm to both the chimney and anyone residing in the home. On top of this, purchase some smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to keep in the home to ensure that, if any fumes enter the home, they will be detected right away.
At Wells & Sons Chimney Service, our professionals are trained and certified so that you know you are getting the best service possible. Our experts will clean and inspect your chimney thoroughly, ensuring that your home and family are safe throughout the year. We’re a local company and are proud to serve Pottstown, Allentown, Phoenixville, Norristown, and the surrounding cities in Montgomery and Chester counties. Give us a call at (610) 473-6000 today!