chimney illustration
Maintaining your fireplace and chimney is more about the health and safety of your home than it is about the aesthetics of it. Built up gunk in your chimney can fall into your fire or reduce the air flow, causing harmful substances to get into your home. It is important to know when to hire a pro, what kind of cleaning schedule you should set and keep the cleaning supplies handy.
Hire a Pro
When it comes to cleaning your chimney, it is best to hire the pros. This is a dangerous process which involves getting on the roof and using specialized equipment. Luckily, there are chimney cleaning Washington DC companies willing and able to help you get it done. These companies can even help you test your chimney to see if there are any cracks or other problems.
Set a Schedule
You should have your chimney inspected and cleaned every year, preferably before burning season starts. Your fireplace should be thoroughly cleaned before and after the burning season and any ashes removed between fires. It is a good idea to make sure that the ashes are completely cooled before removing them and that they be disposed of and stored in a heat proof area.
Gather Supplies
You will need some supplies for cleaning out your fireplace, your chimney cleaning professionals will have their own supplies for that project, such as a dust mask, gloves and safety glasses. You should have a fireplace toolset as well to help you remove ashes and rearrange the fire.
Routine cleaning of your fireplace and chimney can help you keep your home safe, healthy and warm. You should schedule routine cleaning and inspections of your chimney once a year to make sure that there are no cracks and that there is not a buildup of harmful substances.