Owning a home requires taking note of each critical maintenance task. Chimney cleaning might not seem integral at first, but that’s because the gunk and buildup hide in the chimney. It’s not like a messy living room or kitchen, which are easily identifiable visually.
But if you want to keep your home safe and sanitary, how often should you clean your chimney? If you’re looking for the answer, use our guide below to learn the ropes today.
Why It’s Important
Before diving into when you should clean a chimney, you must understand why it’s necessary. Over time, creosote builds up in a chimney. Creosote is a natural byproduct of using the fireplace, so its mere presence isn’t alarming. However, the more you use the chimney, the more creosote gathers there. Keeping the chimney clear of creosote is critical for air quality and fire safety.
Simply put, if smoke can’t easily escape through the fireplace due to buildups, carbon monoxide can accrue indoors. Also, creosote is flammable, so a substantial amount can cause house fires to erupt. Now, let’s dive into the telling signs that you should have a chimney inspection immediately.
Warning Signs
If your fireplace is emitting foul or smokey odors when you’re not using it, that’s a clear sign it’s time for a professional cleaning session. Structural issues require more substantial repairs, such as masonry damage and wear on mortar joints. However, the foul, smokey scents come from creosote, which is thankfully a resolvable issue when you call a reliable cleaning crew. So, if you want to keep your home safe from excessive creosote buildup, how often should you clean your chimney?
Annual Inspections
If you have a chimney at home, schedule an annual inspection with a professional service to determine whether cleaning is necessary. Luckily, chimney sweeps and inspectors can be one and the same instead of coming from two different companies. For instance, our professional chimney sweep services include thorough inspections and cleaning.
As a result, instead of specifically scheduling a sweep every year, you can schedule an annual inspection and find a solution that meets your unique needs if necessary. After all, chimneys might look the same from afar, but each is different. Thus, hiring a professional to inspect every nook and cranny will go a long way for your chimney’s longevity and your home’s safety.