Having a fireplace for cool weather is the dream of many homeowners. The ambiance of the crackling fire is hard to beat on cold evenings. Warming up before the cozy fire is a real treat on winter nights. There is more to owning a fireplace than just romantic moments watching the flames.
Keeping your fireplace and chimney structure in good working order involves regular maintenance and safety inspections. Hiring a chimney sweep is the perfect solution for keeping your home and family safe. See below for signs that it may be time for a chimney checkup.
1. Smoke Signals
If you notice your home being smokey after lighting a fire in the fireplace, it could be wet wood you are burning or your chimney badly needs cleaning. Smoke from a partly blocked or entirely blocked chimney could push smoke through your house instead of escaping up the chimney to the outside. Regular cleaning and inspection with a certified chimney sweep can rectify this situation safely.
2. A Dirty Fireplace
Creosote and soot accumulate in your chimney over time with regular fireplace use. A dirty chimney prevents good airflow, which is necessary to keep a roaring fire in your fireplace. Constant airflow is essential to keeping the fires burning hot and moving the draft up the chimney. A chimney sweep possesses the right tools for the dirty job of chimney cleaning.
3. Foul Odors
Strange odors seeping from your fireplace are cause to call a chimney sweep. A dirty flue allows smoke and gases to escape into your home, leaving a sooty or ash smell in the room. A chimney with a leak allows moisture to build up, leading to unpleasant mold and mildew odors. A professional will quickly check out any foul odors emanating from your fireplace with an inspection for safety.
4. Nesting Pests
A fireplace needing a chimney cap or crown repair invites pests. If you see tiny footprints in the ash every morning, mice or rats are likely nesting in your chimney. Birds have been known to make a home in chimneys, building a nest for their offspring. Insects are another common problem, with wasps, cockroaches, and filth flies happily hiding in your chimney. It is time to call a chimney sweep.
5. Weak Fires
Lighting a fire and struggling to keep it going is a sign that your fireplace is not getting enough oxygen. You should feel airflow with the damper open. Your chimney is likely dirty and possibly blocked. It is time to call a chimney sweep for service.
Call A Certified Chimney Sweep
For confidence in the safety of your home and family, call a certified chimney sweep if you notice any of the above problems. Regular inspections are recommended at least yearly and more often with heavy use. The elements take a toll on your chimney over time, and fixing routine issues regularly will keep your home safe and protect you from more expensive repairs later. Search for “a chimney sweep near me” online for inspection and cleaning.
