Cleaning of chimneys is very crucial for the safety of the chimney and the efficiency of homes with this crucial appliance. Ash, soot, and creosote accumulate with time and become quite dangerous in terms of fire if not cleared.
WIth cleaning, you are able to avoid any incidents of fire and build up of the lethal carbon monoxide gas within the chimney, ensuring users of an adequate supply of fresh air within the home. It is only logical to think that chimney cleaning is a very difficult job which is not possible to perform alone, but in fact, it is quite possible alone if you have the tools and the idea on how to use them.
How to Clean Your Chimney
Let us first establish why it is crucial to clean chimneys before venturing into the content of this tutorial. Some of the risks that are associated with sooty chimneys include chimney fires, trapped carbon monoxide and poor heating.
Here’s a list of items you should have on hand when looking for “how to clean your chimney”:
- Chimney brush which must fit the chimney flue
- Extension rods for the brush
- Drop cloth or tarp
- Ladder (if necessary)
- Goggles and dust masks
- Flashlight
How to Clean Your Chimney: The Chimney Sweeping Procedure
a. Prepare Your Workspace
In order to avoid spreading soot all over the house, place a tarp or drop cloth over the opening of the fireplace before beginning the process. Always ensure that you are working with a cold fireplace to enhance your safety while handling the fireplace.
b. Inspect the Chimney
Lighting a flashlight can help you check if there are blockages, creosote, or other damages requiring the attention of a professional. Check to see that no birds have made the chimney a home, and see if there is a build up of debris within the chimney flue space.
c. Clean from the Top or Bottom
Chimney cleaning may be effected from the top of the chimney or from the fireplace below depending on the accessibility of the chimney in your home. Inserting extension rods, place the chimney brush and clean the flue walls with vertical movements. Remember to brush up to the face of the chimney as this will help to loosen all the soot and creosote.
d. Remove Soot and Debris
After brushing the chimney, the interior of the fireplace should also be vacuumed to remove any remaining residue of soot.
e. Final Inspection
You need to check again for the presence of soot, creosote, and any blockage after the cleaning is complete. The last check is very important in order to be sure that the chimney is safe for use.
How to Clean Your Chimney FAQ: How Often Is Too Often?
Professional chimney sweepers advise people to clean chimneys at least once a year, particularly before people start using fireplaces during winter. However, depending on how much wood you burn or how much creosote you detect, you might have to clean it more often.
When to Call a Professional
Most of the time, homeowners are capable of cleaning their chimneys independently; however, some circumstances may necessitate chimney sweep’s services. If the chimney is severely damaged, has excessive creosote deposits, or has obstructions, it is wiser to leave them to a certified chimney sweep contractor.
