Questions To Ask A Chimney Sweep Professional

Many homeowners don't know how often they should hire a chimney sweep. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) states that chimneys and fireplaces should be inspected annually to allow for the appropriate cleaning and maintenance measures. 

Schedule regular inspections and cleaning to avoid the hazards associated with a dirty chimney. Here are questions you need to ask a chimney sweep contractor.

Do They Conduct a Safety Inspection?

Before and after cleaning your chimney, your chimney sweep should conduct a safety inspection. This ensures the chimney and your home is safe. Ask the chimney sweep whether they conduct these inspections. The ideal chimney sweep professional will use a video camera to inspect the internal structure of your flue and ensure it is in good condition. The professional should also show you the video scan so you are assured of the problem they want to address.

Is There Creosote in the Chimney?

Your chimney sweep may notice soot in the chimney. This is a safe substance, provided it is removed before it builds up and affects the draft. The professional will brush away the soot during the cleaning procedure.

However, if there is creosote, this is a sign of poor burning practices. Creosote may also mean a burning appliance isn't functioning correctly. This substance is highly flammable, and it can cause a chimney fire. 

Your chimney sweep should notify you about the presence of creosote and how they intend to remove it. Additionally, you should ask the professional to recommend ways to prevent or minimize the presence of creosote in your chimney.

What Equipment Do They Use?

The tools the chimney sweep will use determines the quality of their services. For best results, the professionals should use state-of-the-art equipment.

First, the chimney sweep should use high-tech cameras to inspect your chimney flue. A small crack in your flue liner can pose a fire hazard. The flue liner protects your home from the intense heat caused by sparks and blazes in the fireplace. Combustible materials can easily ignite when there is a crack in the liner. 

The chimney sweep should also be equipped with brushes and rods for cleaning creosote. Also, they should have vacuums and tools to finalize the cleaning operations and ensure the work proceeds without causing a large mess in your home.

How Long Will Their Services Take?

The longer your chimney sweep performs their operations, the more it will cost you. Therefore, it is important to ask beforehand how long the job will take. A thorough cleaning may last for a few minutes. However, if there is a significant buildup of creosote in your flue, the cleaning may take longer. Furthermore, the job will take more time if the flue is damaged or there are blockages.

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


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