The chimney is one of the most neglected areas in many households. Experts recommend cleaning your chimney at least once a year. If you have a chimney in your house and want to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and fire outbreaks, you should hire a chimney sweep. Here are some chimney-sweeping mistakes you should avoid.
Wrong Assumptions
Many believe seasoned hard and softwoods create less creosote than unseasoned wood. It doesn't matter what type of wood you burn; fire leaves creosote deposits every time. Therefore, you should schedule a chimney sweeping regularly.
Failing to clean your chimney will lead to a buildup of creosote, which will block the chimney flue. This increases the risk of chimney fires because creosote is flammable. Additionally, since the chimney is obstructed, toxic gases like carbon monoxide cannot escape outside and fill your home's atmosphere.
Sweeping Logs
Many homeowners attempt to save the money it costs to hire professional chimney sweeps by doing DIY cleaning. Knowing how to sweep a chimney means having the right products, but many homeowners usually use the wrong supplies. Typically, DIYers choose sweeping logs to remove creosote.
However, sweeping logs are a temporary fix and don't remove creosote effectively. In some cases, these logs make chimneys more dangerous by loosening chunks of creosote that can be easily ignited when you light a fire. Some homeowners use chemicals to clean chimneys. These chemicals can corrode metal components in the fireplace or chimney, leading to expensive repairs.
DIY chimney cleaning is also hazardous to your health because you must climb the roof and are exposed to creosote. It is cheaper and safer to hire a professional chimney sweep.
Wrong Timing
Although autumn is the busiest time for chimney sweeps, it isn't the ideal time for cleaning. This is because chimney services are in high demand. Therefore, the prices for chimney cleaning are high, and appointments are scarce since the chimney sweeps are on tight schedules.
Schedule chimney cleaning during spring and summer. This is because creosote stinks during hot weather. A spring or summer sweep will improve your home's air quality. Furthermore, you stand to get seasonal discounts. Also, if any chimney damage is spotted during the cleaning, you have ample time before winter to fix it.
In Closing
If you notice a burning wood odor, a thick sticky substance on your chimney walls and stove, or animal nests in your chimney, you should call a professional chimney sweep service. Professional chimney sweeping makes it easier to light fires and promotes better air quality. It also minimizes the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and fire outbreaks.
