With a list a mile long of things you’d like to get done before winter hits, you may be asking yourself if it’s really necessary to call in a chimney sweep to inspect and clean your chimney. The answer to that is a resounding yes! Over the course of a year, a burning fire can cause structural damage or fire hazards, and these things just aren’t worth the risk of letting your chimney go uninspected for another year. It’s an easy call to make and the choice of a company to contact is easy, too: Black Velvet Chimney!
What Happens When You Burn
When you burn a wood fire in your fireplace, the byproduct is pretty obvious: smoke. But what’s in that smoke? There is water vapor, there are microscopic wood particles, benzene, formaldehyde … have you heard enough? When these particles reach the higher part of your chimney, where the bricks are colder, they condense and form a substance – either black or brown, sticky or hard and shiny – that is called creosote. This creosote can build up, layer after layer. It is extremely flammable, even at as thin a layer as one-eighth of an inch. When you hire a CSIA certified chimney sweep company to come in and inspect and clean your chimney, you know they’ll have the training and the tools to properly clean the creosote out of your chimney so that you don’t have to worry about a chimney fire.
Obstructions
Another thing your chimney sweep will be looking for is blockages and obstructions. You may think that it would be difficult for something to blow into your chimney, but that’s not the case. Dried leaves, twigs, paper – these things can blow into your chimney quite easily, but not back out again. When these build up in your chimney, they can form a highly flammable blockage that can easily catch a spark and cause a blazing chimney fire. Another common obstruction is a nest – either bird’s, squirrel’s, or some other critters. These creatures are looking for a safe, warm, dark place out of the wind to raise a family, and your chimney is the perfect spot. However, that nest will stay behind after the little family has moved out, and as it dries, it is the perfect tinder for a stray spark or ember to catch on and start a fire.
Chimney Fire
Although it seems hard to believe, you may have already experienced a chimney fire without even realizing it. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America website, many chimney fires occur without the homeowner even knowing it. If this is the case, your chimney may be structurally damaged, and that could lead to having dangerous gasses leaked back into your home, putting the health of your family at risk. Your chimney sweep will be checking for structural damage as well.
Call Black Velvet Today
Having your chimney inspected and cleaned isn’t just a luxury – it’s a necessity. So give Black Velvet Chimney a call today for professional and expert service!
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