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Homeowners are urged to have their chimneys inspected for creosote buildup and cleaned if necessary in the spring of each year. Chimney fires are characterized by loud cracking or popping noises and a lot of dense smoke from the flue, but often times go undetected by the homeowner.
How do you know if your chimney needs to be cleaned?
Here are seven tell-tale signs that indicate your chimney or fireplace needs cleaning: Your fireplace smells like a campfire. Fires burn oddly. It takes more effort to get a fire going and keep it going. Smoke fills the room. The fireplace damper is black. Fireplace walls have oily marks. There’s evidence of animals.
How often should you have your chimney swept?
How Often Should You Sweep your Chimney. You should have your chimney swept at least once a year as a bare minimum. This ensures your chimney is kept as clean as possible and prevents buildup that will become harder to remove if you leave it.
Can I clean my own chimney?
In many cases, you can clean the chimney yourself and save a few hundred dollars. Removing ordinary chimney soot is pretty simple. But if you have heavy creosote buildup, you’ll have to call in a pro. Otherwise, hire a certified chimney sweep.
What happens if you dont clean your chimney?
When your chimney is not cleaned for a long time, a substance called creosote keeps building up in the flue during the use of the fireplace. This creosote is highly flammable and can lead to a dangerous chimney fire (an uncontrolled 2000 degree fire burning inside the chimney).
Do the chimney cleaning logs really work?
Many homeowners wonder if the chimney sweep logs or creosote sweeping logs really work to clean out fireplace flues and get rid of creosote residue so that the fireplaces are safe to use. The short answer is no, they don’t work. At least, not well enough to completely clean out the flue the way it should be cleaned.
How often should you remove ashes from fireplace?
Wait at least 12-24 hours after your last use before you begin the full cleaning. DO keep up with weekly cleanings by clearing out the grate of ashes and debris and sweeping around the hearth regularly.
What does a chimney sweep cost?
Chimney sweep costs can range from $129 to $378, with a national average of $252. Prices vary regionally and according to the level of cleaning required as well as other factors.
Can I clean my chimney from the bottom?
The Bottom Up Brush & Rod Chimney Cleaning Method is very similar to the Top Down method just a little safer. You will not have to climb up on top of your roof, so this method is great for the homeowner who is not so fond of heights.
What dissolves creosote?
Creosote is moderately soluble in water. Spraying water onto the creosote will help to remove the liquid. However, creosote is a type of oil that is never removed fully by water. Bleach and industrial cleaners will help to pull the creosote out of clothes and off of skin or other surfaces.
How do I prevent creosote buildup in my chimney?
How to Minimize Creosote Buildup & Prevent a Chimney Fire Only burn dry, seasoned firewood. Never burn artificial logs. Build hot, clean burning fires. Make sure the fire gets enough oxygen. Reduce condensation by warming up a cold flue. Schedule an annual chimney cleaning and inspection.
How do I know if my fireplace is safe to use?
5 Easy Steps to Make Sure Your Fireplace Is Safe #1 Examine the Firebox. Look for any cracks, gaps, or signs of wear in the lining of the firebox (the interior of the fireplace). #2 Look for Telltale Smoke Stains. #3 Make Sure Your Grate Is the Right Size. #4 Check the Chimney. #5 Double-Check Your Fire Extinguisher.
Will a hot fire remove creosote?
Avoid Smoldering Many homeowners allow their fire to smolder until it burns itself out. As the fire begins to burn out more creosote is produced at the lower temperatures. Rather than allowing the fire to smolder, it should be extinguished.
Does burning potato skins clean chimneys?
Burning the potato peels will not eliminate all soot or creosote buildup, but they will reduce it. A normal and regular chimney cleaning is still needed to keep the fireplace working properly and safely.
How often should I burn a creosote log?
For the best results, you should use one log for every 60 fires. If you’re not sure how frequently you use your chimney, keep track of every fire. You might hit 60 fires in two months, or it could take longer.
Are fireplace ashes good for anything?
They can be used to repel slugs and snails, or even to create lye for soap. But by far the most common and ancient use for wood ashes is for soil amendment. They contain lots of calcium, which neutralizes acidity, plus some potassium, phosphorus, and trace elements.
Does wood burn better on a bed of ash?
Wood burns better on a layer of ash because the ash helps to insulate the warmth and also helps to reflect the heat back onto further pieces of wood. It can also take a while for firebox surrounds to heat up from cold, and so a bed of ash can help to get the fire going more quickly.
How do you empty ashes from a fireplace?
Ash Removal To remove, simply shovel up the ashes, place them in a bag, and dispose in the trash. If your fireplace has an ash dump, push the ashes through the metal plate in the floor of the firebox. Use a vacuum to clean up the remaining ashes in the firebox and on the hearth.
