Chimney Maintenance and Safety

Regular chimney cleaning prevents fires and carbon monoxide buildup. Dirty chimneys can cause chimney fires, damaging structures, and risking lives. Over 25,000 chimney fires occur in the US yearly.

Assess your chimney annually, ideally in late summer or early autumn. Look for soot buildup, blockages, and structural damage. Engage a professional for complex issues or thorough inspections.

To clean a chimney, you'll need a chimney brush, extension rods, a ladder, a dust mask, goggles, and a drop cloth. A flashlight helps inspect the flue's condition.

Before starting, seal your fireplace opening with plastic sheeting to prevent soot from entering your home. Place a drop cloth around the work area to catch falling debris.

Using the chimney brush attached to rods, scrub the chimney's interior in a vertical, up-down motion. Increase rod length to reach the entire chimney length. Brush thoroughly to remove all creosote and soot.

Creosote, a byproduct of wood burning, is highly flammable and accumulates inside chimneys. Insidious buildup often goes unnoticed. Frequent cleaning reduces creosote, minimizing fire risks.

After brushing, remove the drop cloth carefully, sealing the collected debris. Dispose of it properly. Finally, use a vacuum to clean inside the fireplace and surrounding area.