Regularly cleaning your chimney (about once a year) will reduce the amount of creosote in your chimney and should greatly reduce the risk of any chimney fires in the future. It's also important to make sure that the chimney cap is in good condition and that there are no gaps or holes in the flue.
According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), fireplaces need to be cleaned once there is 1/8″ of creosote and/or soot buildup inside the chimney liner. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), all chimneys should be cleaned at least once every year, regardless.
Most homeowners opt to have a Chimney Cleaning done every year as well, especially if they use their fireplace on a regular basis. Other venting systems connected to furnaces and stoves should also be cleaned on a regular basis to maintain safer operation.
If you don't clean your chimney, you are putting yourself at risk of chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. The build up of soot, creosote and tar can block fumes from escaping and ignite under heat.
The cost of chimney sweeping varies based on the specific type of fireplace or stove. Gas fireplaces, which generally accumulate less residue than wood-burning variants, cost on average between £60 to £90 for a sweep. Wood-burning fireplaces, with their traditional design, usually range between £80 to £100.
Chimney cleaning can be a DIY project depending on: Level of Buildup and Creosote: If you find 1/8 inch of buildup or more, or if you see indications of a serious accumulation of creosote, the chimney cleaning is a job for a professional.
Size of the chimney: The larger the chimney, the more time and effort it takes to clean, which can increase the cost. Type of fuel used: The type of fuel used in your fireplace (such as wood, gas, or oil) can affect the amount of creosote and other buildup in your chimney, which can affect the cost of cleaning.
Patches of soot inside a fireplace are unavoidable, but they are easy to distinguish from creosote. Run your finger through any black patches while the fireplace isn't lit. If the substance is dust- or ash-like, it is soot. Greasy, tar-like stains are creosote and indicate a possible chimney blockage.
Failure to clean the chimney can jeopardize the health and safety of your family. It can be hazardous for your pets too. The inhalation of smoke, creosote, soot, and other dangerous gases can cause a variety of health issues, especially in children, the elderly and those with respiratory ailments.
Consider what you can burn
Hardwood that has been dried reduces the build-up of soot and creosote, which typically cause a blockage in a chimney. Other options include the burning of potato peels and acorns, which are also known to remove creosote from your chimney.
By a long shot, not everyone reports that they have had a chimney fire, yet there are more than 25,000 chimney fires reported in the U.S. annually. It's good to know the common causes of chimney fires and how to avoid them.
Soot and creosote are byproducts of burning wood. They both accumulate in the flue liner of fireplaces and wood stoves. However, creosote is unique in that it is mostly tars produced due to the incomplete combustion of wood. On the other hand, soot can result from the poor combustion of oil and gas, and wood.
It's falling into your fireplace or stuck to the walls. It can look dusty, puffy, flaky, or oily like tar.
It costs about $254 to hire a chimney sweep, but the national average ranges between $129 and $380. When it comes to your fireplace, a chimney sweep is as important as fuzzy slippers and a good book.
While “chimney cleaning” and “chimney sweeping” are sometimes used interchangeably, a chimney sweep offers much more than just removing soot and creosote. It's a comprehensive process that ensures your chimney is safe, efficient, and in top working condition.
While roofers do a great job repairing and replacing roofs, they don't have the extensive knowledge or experience required for chimney inspections and repairs.In fact, a reputable roofer will often advise the homeowner to contact a chimney specialist to repair chimney leaks.
As a chemical cleaner, creosote logs will do some work at making creosote more removable and cause some – maybe much – of the creosote to flake away. Because creosote is tough, this can be a really useful step towards a clean flue! But it won't actually remove or stop creosote from forming.
Regularly cleaning your chimney (about once a year) will reduce the amount of creosote in your chimney and should greatly reduce the risk of any chimney fires in the future. It's also important to make sure that the chimney cap is in good condition and that there are no gaps or holes in the flue.
Warning Signs Your Chimney May Be Blocked
The fireplace fills with smoke. Difficulty lighting a fire. Fire burns out quickly. Black, tarry flakes inside the flue.
Most policies will require a professional chimney sweeping once a year. If you ever need to make a claim, having an in-date chimney sweeping certificate shows that you actively maintain your home.
Fall and winter are very busy times of the year for chimney sweeps. That's why it is better to always get your chimney cleaned in the spring or summer because you can pick a time that is convenient for you and you may even get a discount on your chimney cleaning.
This is a good question to ask when booking and the answer will be, very rarely. As part of Trevor's training with the Guild he learnt many different techniques to prevent dust and soot escaping.