There isn’t a simple rule of thumb when it’s time for a chimney cleaning. It depends a lot on how often you use your fireplace or stove. The National Fire Protection Association recommends that chimneys, fireplaces, and vents be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs should be done if necessary.
When it’s time for a chimney cleaning, call a professional that knows exactly how to clean and inspect your fireplace and chimney.
According to The National Fire Protection Association (www.nfpa.org), “The leading factor contributing to home heating fires (27%) was failure to clean, principally from solid-fueled heating equipment, primarily chimneys.”
The problem is that creosote (the tar deposited on
chimney walls by wood smoke) can form when unseasoned wood is burned, the air
supply is restricted, or/and the chimney temperatures are cooler than
normal. Burning unseasoned wood keeps
the smoke cooler than seasoned wood because much more energy is used to drive
off the water trapped in the logs. A
smoky fire without enough oxygen emits lots of unburned tar vapors that can
condense inside the fireplace flue and stick to it, possibly leading to a
chimney fire. You can reduce creosote
buildup in your fireplace flue by providing adequate combustion air, which will
encourage a hot, clean-burning fire.
When using a wood stove, overloading the firebox with wood in an attempt to get a longer burn time also contributes to creosote build-up. We recommend filling the firebox to around 75% if possible.
Check for creosote build up…
To check for creosote yourself, first, make sure there’s no downdraft from the chimney. If you feel an airflow, open a door or window on the same floor as the fireplace until the downdraft stops or reverses and air flows up (tape tissue to the fireplace opening and watch its movement). Then, while wearing goggles and a basic disposable dust mask, take a strong flashlight and shine the light near the top of the firebox, in the smoke chamber and around the damper. And check the fireplace flue too, especially on exterior chimneys, where creosote builds up faster than on interior chimneys because of lower outside temperatures.
Take your fireplace poker and scratch the black surface above the damper (smoke chamber). If the groove you scratch in the creosote is paper thin, no cleaning is needed. However, if it’s 1/8 in. thick, schedule a cleaning soon. If you have 1/4 in. of creosote, do not use the fireplace again until it is cleaned – a chimney fire could occur at any time.
Can I do this when it is time for a chimney cleaning?
You could try to remove the creosote yourself, but why not save on materials and get a thorough job, call us. We are knowledgeable, and trained to recognize deterioration or venting problems, and able to advise you regarding the chimney’s condition. Proper care and maintenance of your chimneys, woodstoves and fireplaces can help protect you and your family from unnecessary fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Finally, when it is time for a chimney cleaning, do not try to do this yourself. It is a dangerous job with unique tools. Call us and let our pros do it right, safe and cost effective.
Looking for a chimney inspection in Knoxville TN ? Stop and call or fill out our request form at Clear Chimney for all of your chimney, fireplace and stove installations & repair. We are a locally owned family business in business since 2016. We service wood stoves, fireplace inserts and wood burning chimneys. Our partners in masonry repair and restore brick chimneys. Often, our firewood suppliers provide great deals for our customers.
We want to add you to our Clear Chimney family. Clear Chimney is not a large out of state corporation. We are building our business one warm family home at a time. Referrals are gems to us. For instance, we stand behind our work and will give you an honest answer for your situation.
There are many chimney inspection Knoxville TN companies that simply are overwhelmed with work. It is not uncommon for the next appointment quoted to be 2 months out in the peak season. Similarly, from September to March, most companies can’t keep up. Therefore, we schedule and staff for this heavy time.
We do not over schedule. Many times we work you in to the schedule if we are in the area, even after 5 p.m. without additional fees.
We find many issues in our chimney inspection around Knoxville TN
We live for reviews in chimney inspection Knoxville TN
Our goal is always a 5 star review on all of the platforms. You can check us out on Google Clear Chimney, Yelp Clear Chimney and Facebook to name a few. When we finish your inspection or project and you wouldn’t rate us a 5 star, please let us know right then. We will fix any issue within code and workmanship.
Finally, we live in the same area we serve. Our church family, neighbors and friends rely on us to keep them safe and warm. Join our family today. We look forward to a life long relationship with you. Be blessed.
Looking to contact a frugal Knoxville chimney sweep now? Look no further. Clear Chimney is your one stop solution for everything fireplace and chimney.
When cold weather sets in, the fireplace is an essential heating source for many people. Furthermore, electric heat or natural gas prices are rising rapidly, many homeowners are going back to the tried and true method of wood burning fireplaces or stoves.
Unfortunately, some chimneys are too far gone to repair. This could be a $10,000 project to repair or replace a chimney that is clogged up. It doesn’t have to be expensive really.
The are steps a Knoxville chimney sweep company takes for each project.
The first step to cleaning a chimney removes any furniture and articles from the hearth area. Many customers have rugs and valuable items on the mantle. The cleaning process is messy. There is no reason to not take the proper steps in setting up a proper chimney sweep.
The second step is enclosing the opening with plastic sheeting. The vacuum system will pull any debris out of the chimney. For example, no soot will enter the house if this is done correctly. Our vacuums contain HEPA filters for high efficiency particle trapping.
The chimney sweeping pushes soot, clogs and debris down from the chimney cap. The vacuum system pulls the particles into the HEPA filters. Therefore, the soot is contained and trapped.
The bottom of the fireplace is cleaned once the chimney cap and flue are swept. The plastic is removed. Also, any furniture, rugs or items are relocated into their former place.
We teach each homeowner how to maintain their fireplace. Most people do not understand the need to clean a chimney every year.
How much wood do you burn a year?
The average fireplace uses 1 to 2 cords of wood a year. Burning wood regularly creates exhaust that can deposit creosote. Many homeowners hire a Knoxville chimney sweep to clean AFTER the winter season. The smell of burnt wood can creep into the house over the summer.
Also, be sure to only buy dried wood. Wet wood increases residue in the chimney flue. Above all, dried wood is the only way to go for creating a fire.
Finally, when choosing a Knoxville chimney sweep, quality, reputation and reliability win over “cheapest price” every time. Also, Clear Chimney is proud to serve east Tennessee. Locally owned. Clear Chimney never leaves you hanging for your fireplace and chimney needs.
