It’s finally time to turn on your fireplace in Pennsylvania. Before you do so, let’s make sure your chimney is ready to go for the season. Don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered, just keep reading. And remember if this seems like an overwhelming task you can always give us a call. We’re here to help keep your home safe and happy.
Why Do I Need to Clean my Chimney?
If you’re sitting here trying to think of the last time you cleaned your chimney, then it’s time to take a look. How often you should clean your chimney will depend on several factors like how often you use your fireplace and how much creosote is built up. Creosote is an oily, black substance that is a contaminant byproduct of wood-burning fires. This is a flammable substance that builds up over time in your chimney.
Cleaning your chimney has several preventative benefits. Chimney upkeep can decrease buildup, increase ventilation, prevent chimney fires and damage.
When Should I Clean my Chimney?
As a good rule of thumb, you should have you chimney inspected and cleaned annually. This will keep your fires burning bright and your home safe from chimney fires. However, if you notice your fires are burning slower, experience smoky odors in your home, or notice visible creosote buildup, these are signs that your chimney needs cleaned.
How Do I Clean my Chimney?
Chimney cleaning is no small task. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this yourself, give us a call and we will get you hooked up with a professional in no time. If you feel confident in your chimney cleaning abilities, please ensure you have the property safety equipment to work on your roof and the tools needed to complete the job.
Supplies Needed:
· Extension Ladder
· Flashlight
· Chimney Brush – your chimney brush should be approximately ¼ - ½ inch larger than the diameter of your chimney
· Brush Rods – make sure to measure your chimney to ensure you have enough rods to reach
· Safety Gear (goggles, gloves, etc.)
· Shop Vacuum
· Drop Cloth
· Plastic/Poly Sheeting
· Duct Tape
Step 1: Inspect the Chimney
Start by shining a flashlight in your chimney from the top and the bottom. Use a metal rod and scrape along the fire box to check for buildup.
Step 2: Prepare the Fireplace
Lay down a drop cloth or tarp to prevent a mess in your home. Then seal your fireplace with poly sheeting and duct tape. Be sure to ventilate your home by opening windows and doors. Connect your shop vacuum to an extended hose and plug in outside to keep debris outside the home. Close the door slightly so no debris travels back inside.
Step 3: Clean the Chimney
Start on the roof and remove the chimney cap. Begin brushing from the top of the chimney. Attach a rod to the brush and start brushing up and down inside the chimney. Add additional rods as you continue to push the brush further down the chimney. Scrub the interior thoroughly and then remove the rods as you bring the brush back up. Reattach the chimney cap and safely exit the roof.
Step 4: Clean the Fireplace
Return inside and wait about 10 minutes for all the dust and debris to settle. Remove the plastic covering from the fireplace. Use a smaller brush to clean inside the fireplace and areas of the chimney you couldn’t reach from the roof.
Step 5: Clean Up
Allow the dust and dirt to settle once again. Then go in with the shop vacuum and clean up the debris from your fireplace. Once everything is clean, be sure to dispose of the waste appropriately. Check your local regulations for more information on disposal.
Step 6: Perform a Final Inspection
Inspect your fireplace one last time to ensure creosote has been removed. Then remove all poly sheeting and duct tape from the area.
Chimney cleaning is a time-consuming task, but it’s nothing to sleep on. Don’t put your home and family at risk by skipping this important seasonal task. Don’t want to do it yourself? Give us a call and let us handle it for you!
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