When it comes to chimney cleaning, there are several factors that determine the final cost. Fireplaces and chimneys are both decorative and expensive to clean and maintain. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), there are more than 20,000 chimney fires each year in the United States alone. In-depth inspection and identification of possible weaknesses in the chimney lining (if used) or in the chimney itself is essential to ensure safety.
The same combination of chimney obstructions or simply a heavy layer of creosote can cause chimney fires, which can spread to the roof or walls of the house. Level 1 chimney inspection is the most common and is usually included free of charge as part of your cleaning or repair service. Chimney sweeps use wire brushes attached to flexible rods that extend into the flue to scrub the interior walls of the chimney. Most carbon monoxide problems occur due to improper exhaust, which is almost entirely avoidable with regular inspection and cleaning with a chimney sweep.
Some chimney sweeps may charge more for extra effort required to repair a roof that is in hazardous conditions or has a chimney that is difficult to access. So what does cleaning entail? And how much will it cost you? Each part of a chimney is made of different materials and requires different tools and cleaning techniques to preserve and protect them during the cleaning process. Until the middle and end of the 19th century, children, often orphans, were brought as apprentices to climb chimneys and clean them. While not the most glamorous task, cleaning the fireplace is vitally important to the safety of your home.
The National Fire Protection Association recommends at least one annual cleaning or every time you have a build up of 1/8 or more of creosote in your chimney. In addition to inspecting and cleaning your chimney, chimney sweeps can perform several services related to your fireplace or wood stove.
