When cleaning one yourself, you run the risk of falling off the roof. When cleaning, built up creosote and soot can fall into your home and cause a cloud that covers your floor and furniture. Cracks in masonry and damages to the flue are the most common problems. You can also have infestations of rodents, bats, or birds. Most chimney sweep professionals are able to fix minor problems on site, giving you peace of mind for any future wood burning activities.
There is little room for error in cleaning and inspecting a chimney. Only someone with the proper education and a trained eye can spot everything that needs to be done. While nothing can necessarily replace an annual inspection by a trained person, there are a few thing you can look out for on your chimney.
Oftentimes, one of the first things to erode on chimneys is the mortar joints. Spalling is when water enters the stone and pops the surface out, further undermining the structural integrity of the chimney. Rust around the actual fireplace is another big sign that moisture may be entering your home through a faulty bit of masonry. If you see peeling or damaged wallpaper around the chimney, this is probably a result of an opening that needs to be patched up.
When looking inside of a chimney, you might see the results of a damaged flue in the form of shattered bits in the fireplace itself. Fire damage can also be evident in a few ways. For instance, creosote, which coats the inside of the chimney liner itself, will become puffy or honeycombed in shape. If the fire was located near the top end of the chimney, you might see a deformation of the rain cap, damage to any TV antennas, or even the surrounding roofing material itself.
A certified chimney sweep will have all the necessary tools for taking care of your chimney. This can include not only creosote brushes, but also vacuums, chemical cleaners, and cameras. These tools work together in keeping dust in its place.
Read on to learn other considerations for do it yourself chimney cleaning. The items needed to successfully clean a chimney can get quite expensive. Ladders could also be needed to reach the outside of the chimney from the roof. Often insurance companies need proof of annual inspection and chimney cleanings. So you may eventually find yourself between a rock and a hard place if you purchase all the right gear and take the time to learn how to clean a chimney yourself, but are still required to provide proof of a professional inspection and chimney cleaning.
However, for the vast majority of people, purchasing all the proper safety gear and tools may not be a viable option. There are safety concerns for both the professional and the DIYers who chose to clean their own chimney flue.
From inside the fireplace, the person performing the flue cleaning is exposed to hazardous materials like soot, creosote and harmful fumes. A professional-grade respirator mask is required. Getting onto the roof may be necessary. Using caution and common sense is always the best idea! Whether you decide to call in a professional or attempt your own chimney cleaning, there are a few essential elements to be aware of with this particular in-home chimney maintenance task.
Soot and creosote can be messy and cause damage to your rugs or carpets. Closing off the fireplace during chimney sweeping keeps dust from reaching the home. Luckily, there are a number of things you can do to stop creosote becoming a problem:. Looking for more advice on your stove? Check out all our blog resources for posts like these…. Shop Stoves Online Now. Be notified of replies. Friday, November What is Creosote and What Causes it in a Chimney? It should be easy to remove with the correct brush.
Sticky tar-like substance — if you see this form of creosote, it is much more cause for concern. It can be difficult to remove and may require chemical cleaning.
A hard and thick layer — the most dangerous form and almost impossible to remove. Luckily, there are a number of things you can do to stop creosote becoming a problem: Avoid a slow burning fire. These give off more fumes. Use the right fuel. Dry seasoned wood or smokeless fuel are the cleanest options for your stove. Remember, multifuel stoves are the only stoves you can burn smokeless fuel in. Make your fire hot and give it plenty of air. This helps fuel burn most efficiently.
0コメント