You need a chimney sweep because your chimney is one of the biggest systems in your home—it may be the biggest! It works constantly to vent smoke and gases from your fireplace while it’s in use, and while it does, it becomes coated in microscopic particles from your fire. Creosote and soot coat the inside of the flue and will have to be cleared away in order for the system to work properly.
Dirty Chimneys = Dangerous Chimneys
When you fail to clean the chimney and fireplace system on a regular basis, the soot and creosote can build up in the system. A small amount is no big deal and can be cleaned away easily, but as the buildup continues, these materials can become a problem for your system. Both soot and creosote are corrosive to your liner and can lead to damaged joints. Creosote is easy to remove if done regularly, however, a buildup can slow airflow through the chimney flue, can lower efficiency, and will eventually become a fire hazard.
Glazed Creosote
Creosote can be brushed away and removed with vacuuming systems when it’s in a state of sticky flakes. However, creosote is primarily made up of tar, which sticks to itself, building up into large masses, and the venting process slows, the creosote can become heated when the fireplace is used. The heat causes the moisture in the creosote to evaporate, leaving a hardened mass of condensed fuel. This glazed creosote can result in a fire of high heat and pressure if ignited. Not only is creosote extremely dangerous in this glazed state, but it is also more difficult to remove. In order for a chimney professional to remove glazed creosote, we have to first apply a chemical that breaks it down as it’s absorbed. Once the creosote absorbs the chemical, it turns into flakes and can fall away and be brushed away like regular soot and creosote.
Professional Sweeps
When is the best time to sweep your chimney? According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), the chimney must be cleaned regularly and inspected annually in order to be safe and efficient. If the chimney is dirty or damaged in any way, efficiency will drop and safety will be compromised. It is our goal at The Mad Hatter to offer these important services to help our customers, friends, and neighbors in the Indianapolis area stay safe and warm this winter. We offer comprehensive chimney care services. That means that we can handle your installations, repairs, inspections, and sweeps. We know your chimney and can help you determine how often to sweep it.
If you reside in or around Indianapolis and own or rent a home or business, we can sweep and inspect your chimney. Call today and you can rest assured your system is ready for a fire this fall.
Call The Mad Hatter at 317-596-0200.