With peak holiday season just a few weeks away, we’re in the thick of fireplace season now! One of the last things you and your loved ones should have to worry about this time of year is dealing with chimney related complications. With that in mind, let’s jump into a quick true or false series to make sure you’re ready for a safe, festive winter ahead.
You Can Save Money by Cleaning Your Own Chimney
FALSE. You can find various online tutorials offering advice on cleaning your own chimney by yourself. Our best advice? Don’t DIY chimney cleaning and leave it to the pros instead. Here are some of the risks you’ll be taking by cleaning your own chimney:
- Personal Injury
- Missing dangerous creosote buildups
- Chimney/fireplace damage
- Making a large mess
- Home insurance complications
You Should Have Your Chimney Inspected Once a Year
TRUE. Yearly chimney inspections are crucial because they allow creosote build ups from wood smoke to be safely removed. Without this service, the risk of chimney fires will naturally be much greater.
Even if you seldom use your chimney, it’s still in your best interest to have it inspected once a year. We do a lot more than simply clean chimneys during our inspections. We also thoroughly search for issues that could lead to significant problems if left unaddressed. While issues like cracks, moisture and worn bricks/ mortar may seem minor now, each of these can lead to major failures or hazards down the road. You can avoid these threats by simply keeping up with your chimney maintenance!
Fireplaces Make Rooms Cooler
TRUE AND FALSE. On the surface, it actually is true that fireplaces can make rooms colder. This issue is very easy to fix, however. Fires require oxygen to keep burning, and that oxygen comes from the air surrounding it. To nullify this effect and keep the warmth where it belongs, all you need is a fireback! This cast iron plate can be installed at the back of your fireplace and radiate heat back into your home.
Indisputable Truth: Clean Sweep Is Here to Help!
Call Clean Sweep Maryland today at 410-558-1111 for professional chimney sweep, slate roofing and duct cleaning services designed to keep all of your listed properties clean and safe for sellers and buyers. If you have a prospective home buyer or home seller in need of a slate roof inspection or repairs, we are here to help.