Chimney sweeping is the practice of cleaning soot, ash, and debris from chimneys. While it’s great for improving smell and appearance, it’s more important for the safety of your home. When chimneys aren’t cleaned regularly, they can form an oily material known as creosote, which presents a fire hazard. Chimney cleaning involves more than sweeping away ashes from time to time — it’s an involved process that many homeowners don’t fully understand.

A Guide to Chimney Sweeping

What It Involves

Homeowners can perform some simple tasks to keep their chimneys clean, but a professional chimney sweeping company is needed to prevent or remove creosote buildup. Users should always remove ashes from past fires before lighting a new one, and chimney caps also need to be inspected routinely. Caps prevent natural debris such as leaves from entering the fireplace, but they can become loose and shift over time. A thorough chimney sweeping will involve thoroughly cleaning soot and ashes from the flue of the chimney using a special brush and inspecting chimney parts, including the caps, with the aid of a camera. A professional will make sure all furniture and flooring are covered, and any mess is contained and cleaned as part of their service.

Why It’s Important

If ashes and soot are left to build up, dangerous creosote will develop. There’s a chance it could ignite and cause a fire inside your home, but it’s more likely you’ll experience unpleasant odors and a smoky cloud when you start a fire. If chimney caps become clogged with debris, smoke can also become trapped indoors. Not only is this dangerous to your health, it can ruin furniture, clothes, and walls. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, approximately 25,000 house fires are caused by chimneys each year.

If your home in the Triad area needs chimney sweeping services, the professionals at The Chimney Sweep in Kernersville, NC, specialize in chimney inspections, maintenance, and repairs. Their team will inspect your chimney and advise you on how often you should have your chimney cleaned. To schedule an appointment, call (336) 993-8999, or visit their website for more information on their services.