In order to maintain your chimney in peak operating conditions which means free from debris, and creosote, you must have it cleaned or inspected on a regular basis. Whether you have a wood stove, and insert, a masonry chimney or a pre-fab (metal) chimney, keeping it clean is essential.
When wood is burned in a fire place more than just a physical reaction occurs, a chemical reaction occurs. The fire consumes the wood turning it into charcoal and in the process releasing toxic gases such as carbon monoxide. Creosote is a direct result of this process, it is carried in the smoke. Over a period of time and consumption of wood creosote will deposit and build up on the interior of the chimney known as the chimney liner. Because of the chemical reaction involved when wood is consumed by fire, H2O (Water) is also released in the form of water vapors which is carried up in the smoke and released out through the chimney. Because the creosote sticks to the liner some of this water is absorbed into the creosote causing it to become thicker, heavier, denser and moist. Over time if not cleaned the heat out put of the fire and drop in humidity levels will cause the build up to turn into a glaze which resembles charcoal and like charcoal is highly combustible.
If the chimney is swept on a regular basis ( Recommended either after every cord of wood or at the end of each season, depending on usage ) the build up can be prevented. If however you are at the point were the buildup has turned into a glaze, a special type of cleaning will be necessary. A RoKleen as it is called is used when a normal cleaning will not Sufis (a normal cleaning uses metal brushes). In the event that a chimney flue has a glaze of creosote along the interior of the flue lining, a RoKleen will have to be performed this uses chains and a power drill.
To clean a masonry chimney with a regular build up of creosote (soot) we use metal brushes with extended polls, the technician will put up a ladder and climb up on to your roof to reach your chimney. If you have a chimney cap installed on your chimney it will have to be removed and will be replaced after the cleaning is completed. A drop cloth will be placed at the base of the fireplace to ensured that if any soot does manage to fall out side of the fireplace it will fall on the tarp. the technician will brush the chimney from the top down and all the creosote will fall into the smoke chamber which is above the damper this is a shelve behind the damper, this catches most if not all of the soot that is swept out. Our technician will then go into the fireplace with a high powered wet dry vacuum and remove all the creosote, twigs, or any debris that is in the fire place.
The procedure to clean a prefab (Metal chimney) is as described above the difference is in the way and type of brush used. Instead of sweeping from top to bottom a prefab chimney is often swept from the inside or bottom up. A prefab brush is a polly brush unlike the normal metal or steel brushes used on masonry chimneys. When the chimney is swept most if not all the soot is caught in the fire box itself.
If a RoKleen is needed the procedure is almost identical to a masonry cleaning again the difference is in the type of equipment used and amount of labor involved to clean the chimney. A RoKleen uses chains that are mounted on a special drill instead of metal, steel, wire or polly brushes.
DON'T KNOW IF IT NEEDS TO BE CLEANED.
We offer written inspections on the condition of your chimney at only $15.00 per house. If your not sure if it needs to be cleaned having it inspected is a must. Its only $15.00 to do so, and you have the peace of mind that your chimney is clean and safe before using it. If it turns out that your chimney is dirty and you have us clean it, you are only charged for the price of the cleaning. If you have more than one chimney and need only one cleaned you will not be charged to inspect the others as long as the chimneys are all on the same house and at least one is cleaned by us.
Need another reason to clean your chimney
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission, reports that some 41,200 residential fires in the 50 states were related to solid fuel appliances and equipment in 1990. An additional 4,100 fires were attributed to chimneys and chimney connectors serving heating systems burning liquid or other fuels. As a result of these fires, 110 people died, 310 people were injured, and a total property losses were set at more than $200.1 million. These statistics do not reflect a significant number of carbon monoxide induced deaths or illness caused by blocked, damaged or deteriorated chimney systems.
That is why it is so important that you have your chimney cleaned at least once a year and if you don't think you need it cleaned have it inspected to make sure it is safe to use.
