Professional chimney cleaning will protect your family from carbon monoxide poisoning. Twigs, dirt, and debris can build up in your chimney, hindering the proper release of toxins. A clean chimney will have an efficient burn, improving your home's energy efficiency. Also, a clean chimney will allow easier inspections. 

Excessive creosote and soot deposits make it hard to reach areas like the damper and smoke shelf. This problem will hinder the diagnosis of potential malfunctions. Moreover, removing debris and other contaminants will ensure smoke flows in the right direction in your chimney.

Here are essential things you should know about chimney cleaning.

Cost

Chimney cleaning costs vary depending on your location. Some companies may charge for inspection, while others won't. Also, the professional must conduct repairs or replacements if your chimney is damaged. For example, your chimney may have cracked bricks or missing flashing. This extra work will raise your final cost. Furthermore, you will pay less if you have been cleaning your chimney regularly.

However, you will pay more if it's been long since you last cleaned your chimney. The chimney will have excessive creosote buildup or obstructions like leaves. So, the professionals will spend more time cleaning, increasing your bill.

DIY Vs. Hiring Professionals

While you may clean your chimney yourself, you will run into challenges. You will need to buy expensive chimney sweep tools, such as heavy-duty cloth tarps, commercial-grade vacuums, professional respirator masks, safety glasses, rotary tool kits, extension rods, gloves, and hand brushes. Also, you may not have the experience to do the job safely. Cleaning the chimney exterior requires climbing a ladder, which can be dangerous.

Also, flue cleaning can expose you to hazardous substances like soot and harmful fumes. Your homeowners' insurance company may require proof of annual inspection and chimney cleanings. So, you will jeopardize your coverage if you do the job independently.

Relying on Cleaning Logs

Chimney cleaning logs can help you remove creosote buildup in your chimney. However, this method only helps loosen up the buildup so that you scrape it off easily. You will still need to deep clean your chimney to properly remove the substance. Failure to do so can leave some residue on the flue, triggering a fire. 

The fire can slow burn, damaging your chimney components. Even worse, the fire may spread and burn your home. Some signs indicating a previous chimney fire include puffy creosote, cracks in your flue tile, discolored or warped chimney cap, black debris on the roof, and exterior cracks in the masonry chimney.

For more information on chimney sweeping, contact a professional near you.

Share