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3 Chimney Services To Expect From A Chimney Sweep

by Perry Chapman

Whether you use your fireplace often or you can't remember the last time smoke went up the flue, you should hire chimney sweeps. Chimney services are designed to keep your fireplace in top condition so your chimney lasts for longer and the fireplace doesn't pose a potential health or fire hazard in your home.

And while you don't have to be a chimney technician to preserve the structural and functional integrity of the fireplace, you should educate yourself on the essential chimney services required to keep the system healthy. This article will highlight three chimney services you can expect from your chimney technician.

Level 1 Inspection

During a Level 1 inspection, your chimney sweep will mainly examine the accessible areas of the fireplace vent. You can look at it as a maintenance session where the chimney technician looks for any visible signs of repair issues.

The technician will survey both the exterior and interior portions of the chimney system to identify minor problems and recommend upgrades before they get out of hand. For instance, your chimney sweep would recommend repair if they notice that the stability of the chimney's masonry is questionable. In such an instance, fixing fissures and crevices will be considerably cheaper than waiting to address big cracks that run along the chimney walls.

Chimney Scan

Thanks to technological advancements, chimney technicians can now use video equipment during a sweep. They mount a video camera on a rod and insert the equipment up the chimney for a closer and clearer look at the walls.

Chimney technicians conduct chimney scans, which are essential for troubleshooting after a thorough chimney sweeping session or assessing the condition of the chimney flue after a chimney fire.

Chimney Flue Cleaning

When you use your fireplace over an extended period, the by-products that get produced during combustion build up on the flue lining. In addition, organic debris that gets into the chimney from outside will also build up. Failure to professionally clean your chimney can result in one or more of the following:

  • The buildup will hamper the performance of your chimney because produced smoke won't have sufficient airways to escape outside.
  • Creosote, the combustible by-product of wood combustion, will build up to dangerous levels and pose a potential fire hazard in your home.
  • The buildup will completely clog the chimney flue, causing smoke from the fireplace to back up into your home.

Routine chimney flue cleaning will ensure the chimney walls remain clear of any debris and deposits. A professional chimney sweep will come on-site with all the necessary supplies needed for the job.

Now that you know the essential chimney services, don't hesitate to engage professionals for the same. Hire a trusted chimney sweep who has experience maintaining residential chimneys in top condition.  

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