Both the NFPA and Spisto recommend that a qualified professional clean and inspect your chimney once a year. Carli says that regardless of the type of chimney, you should have them clean the chimney at least once a year. To ensure that all of their systems are working properly and functioning as they should, it is recommended that homeowners undergo an annual chimney inspection. Most homeowners choose to do a chimney clean every year as well, especially if they use their chimney on a regular basis.
Other ventilation systems connected to ovens and stoves should also be cleaned regularly to maintain safer operation. Fireplace, stove, oven and heating systems are important for the safety of your home and family, and not an area to neglect or reduce expenses. Don't risk the possibility that an undiscovered defect will turn into a costly repair or, worse, a chimney fire. In the 21st century, preventing a fire in a house is just as important.
Although most contemporary homeowners use their fireplaces for convenience or have remotely controlled natural gas flames to fuel their fires, most still use wood to burn and are susceptible to creosote buildup in their dampers and ducts. Homeowners are urged to inspect their chimneys for creosote buildup and clean if necessary in the spring of each year. Of all the tasks you strive to keep up with in your home (cleaning brass, cleaning grout, cleaning mold, cleaning regularly), chances are that cleaning the chimney isn't at the top of your list. While you're comfortable in front of the fireplace watching the crackling flames, soot buildup and flammable waste aren't exactly romantic things to think about (out of sight, out of mind, right?).
Do we have your attention now? Yes. As with a wood burning installation, gas fireplace chimneys should be inspected and cleaned once a year. It's not so much creosote to worry about, as a bird's nest may need to be removed. This question also depends a lot on how often you use your fireplace or stove.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says: “Chimneys, chimneys, smoke ducts and ventilation systems should be inspected at least once a year for reservoir-free, soundness, and proper spacing. Maintenance, repairs and cleaning will be performed if necessary. Even if you don't use the fireplace often, raccoons, birds, squirrels, and other animals may use the fireplace as a nesting area. This will make the chimney unsafe to use without removing accumulated pest debris.
Wind, rain and snow also drag leaves and branches into unprotected chimney openings. Chimney Anatomy 101 can help you determine what type of chimney and chimney you have so you know what to expect. The NFPA recommends that all chimneys be cleaned and inspected annually because, if the system is compromised, a fire hazard is created. A chimney sweep removes creosote, soot and obstructions from chimney liners, combustion chambers, smoke chambers and dampers.
When a buildup of soot and creosote occurs, it can fuel a chimney fire that is likely to damage the chimney. Historically, chimney sweeps wore a top hat and tail, and owning them remains a tradition of chimney sweeps. Have the tools needed for this DIY chimney cleaning project ready before you start, it will save you time and frustration. Chimney inspections often reveal hidden problems with a chimney structure that could be potentially dangerous.
At best, a chimney fire will cause significant damage to the chimney structure that will require thousands of dollars to repair. This is the national safety standard and takes into account the fact that even if you don't use the chimney much, animals can build nests in the chimney or there may be other types of deterioration that could make the chimney unsafe. Every time an appreciable buildup of soot and creosote occurs, it can be enough to fuel a chimney fire that can damage the chimney and even spread to the roof and home. Then he grabbed a wire brush and simply rubbed any buildup from the main opening to the chimney, without even going up the chimney to clean anything.
Call your local Petro Home Services branch today to schedule a chimney inspection by the chimney service team. There is no simple general rule of thumb for how often the chimney should be cleaned, such as cleaning after 50 uses or a year. Protecting the safety of your family and home from damage are the real benefits of having a chimney inspection and proper cleaning. During cleaning, most soot and creosote will be removed from the smoke chamber, chimney liner, damper area, and combustion chamber.
Since homeowners may not be able to judge the status of the system, it is recommended that a CSIA chimney sweep perform a professional chimney inspection. . .
