FIREPLACE & CHIMNEY CLEANING
Chimneys have been staples in homes for many years, and for good reason — they are classy, elegant and useful, adding a nice ambiance to homes while keeping people warm through the winter.
A fireplace adds warmth, character and comfort to a home, but regular care is an important part of keeping your fireplace and chimney system properly maintained.
A CLEAN FIREPLACE IS ABOUT MORE THAN APPEARANCE
Your fireplace may look clean from inside the room, but much of the system is hidden from view. Soot, creosote, ash and other deposits can collect inside the fireplace, smoke chamber and chimney flue over time.
For wood-burning fireplaces, these deposits are a normal result of burning wood. As buildup increases, it can interfere with proper venting and may increase the risk of a chimney fire.
Professional fireplace and chimney cleaning helps remove accumulated deposits and gives the technician an opportunity to examine accessible areas of the system for conditions that may need attention.
WHAT IS CREOSOTE?
Creosote is a combustible residue that can form inside a chimney when wood is burned. Depending on burning conditions, it may appear as a light, flaky deposit or develop into a harder, glazed material that can be much more difficult to remove.
The amount of creosote that develops can vary depending on how frequently the fireplace is used, the type and condition of the firewood, the way fires are burned and how well the chimney is venting.
Because creosote can be hidden inside the chimney, homeowners should not rely solely on what they can see from the fireplace opening to determine whether their chimney needs attention.
WHY FIREPLACE & CHIMNEY CLEANING MATTERS
Regular fireplace and chimney maintenance helps:
- Remove soot and creosote deposits
- Clear certain debris and obstructions from the venting system
- Reduce unpleasant fireplace and chimney odors
- Help maintain proper airflow and venting
- Identify visible deterioration or damage that may require further evaluation
- Reduce conditions that can contribute to chimney fires
- Keep the fireplace and chimney system cleaner and better maintained
CLEANING AND INSPECTION GO HAND IN HAND
Cleaning and inspecting a fireplace are two different—but equally important—parts of chimney maintenance.
Cleaning helps remove deposits and debris. An inspection evaluates the accessible portions of the fireplace, chimney and venting system for conditions that may affect continued use.
A chimney can appear relatively clean and still have another issue, such as deterioration, damaged components, moisture-related problems, an obstruction or an animal nest.
That is why regular inspection is important even when a fireplace has not been used very often.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD A CHIMNEY BE CHECKED?
Fireplaces, chimneys and venting systems should generally be inspected at least once a year, with cleaning performed when conditions indicate it is necessary.
How frequently a chimney actually needs cleaning depends on several factors, including fireplace use, fuel type, burning habits and the amount and type of deposits present.
Instead of assuming that every chimney needs exactly the same cleaning schedule, the condition of the individual fireplace and chimney should be evaluated.
WHAT ABOUT GAS FIREPLACES?
Gas burns differently from wood and does not produce the same type of creosote buildup. However, that does not mean a gas fireplace or its venting system should be ignored.
Gas fireplace systems can develop problems involving burners, pilot assemblies, gas logs, venting components, deterioration, debris or other conditions that may affect operation.
Routine service gives a trained technician an opportunity to examine the fireplace and identify visible conditions that may require cleaning, adjustment, repair or additional evaluation.
SIGNS YOUR FIREPLACE OR CHIMNEY MAY NEED ATTENTION
Contact a fireplace and chimney professional if you notice unusual smoke entering the room, strong or persistent odors, excessive soot, falling debris, visible cracks or deterioration, staining around the fireplace, difficulty operating the damper, evidence of animals or nesting material, or changes in the way your fireplace burns or vents.
And remember: some chimney problems produce very few noticeable warning signs. Regular professional inspection can help identify concerns before they become obvious from inside the home.
PROFESSIONAL FIREPLACE & CHIMNEY CARE
For nearly four decades, Chimney Master Dallas has helped 1000's of North Texas homeowners care for their fireplaces and chimneys.
Whether your home has a traditional wood-burning fireplace or a gas fireplace system, proper maintenance can help protect the system, extend the life of its components and give you greater confidence when it is time to enjoy your fireplace again.
IS IT TIME TO HAVE YOUR FIREPLACE & CHIMNEY CHECKED?
Don't wait until the first cold night to discover that your fireplace needs attention.
Schedule your fireplace or chimney service before the busy fall and winter season.
GET IT CLEAN. GET IT SAFE. GET IT READY.
CHIMNEY MASTER DALLAS
For All Your Fireplace & Chimney Needs Since 1987