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What to Expect When You Hire a Chimney Sweep

If you have a gas or wood-burning fireplace, it can be an effective and cozy way to supplement your home’s heating system. But if you haven’t used your fireplace since last winter and haven’t had it cleaned, you could have a fire hazard on your hands. Before you start regularly using your fireplace this winter, you should hire a chimney sweep to thoroughly inspect and clean your chimney.

 

Here’s what you can expect when you hire a chimney sweep to clean your chimney.

 

chimney sweep

It starts with an inspection.

Before they begin to clean, the chimney sweep will inspect your fireplace and chimney. They may begin on your roof or inside your house. If they need to get a good look at the inside of your chimney, they may use a camera to do a video inspection. Once they have assessed the state of your chimney and determined what they will have to do, they can get down to the cleaning.

 

What are they cleaning?

The two primary things that a chimney sweep cleans out of your chimney are soot and creosote. Soot is dirty more than anything else, but creosote can put you at risk of chimney fires. Creosote is a residue left behind after burning wood, like soot. But unlike soot, creosote is an oily substance and it is very flammable.

 

What should you do?

Before you have your chimney cleaned, there are a few things you should do to get ready. First, you want to make sure that you have not used your fireplace for at least 24 hours. Your fireplace and chimney need to be cold so they can be cleaned properly. Next, you’ll want to move any furniture away from the fireplace and cover it with a drop cloth. You don’t want to have to attempt to get soot out of your upholstery. While the chimney sweep is at work, you’ll want to be out of the way but available in case they need access somewhere or need to consult you.

 

chimney sweep

Hire a reliable chimney sweep from Seacoast Chimney!

If it’s been a while since you had your chimney cleaned but want to warm up around a roaring fire this winter, call Seacoast Chimney! Our knowledgeable and experienced staff will ensure that your chimney is safe and ready to use.

 

Contact us at 800-354-2751 to get a quote or visit our website to check out our services.