CHIMNEY CLEANING

With every use of a fireplace, combustible by-products are

deposited in the chimney lining in the form of creosote and soot. Creosote is an oily tar residue, and soot is a fine powder-like substance which colors smoke and consists chiefly of carbon. Hot embers which come into contact with these flammable deposits in the chimney lining can start a dangerous chimney fire. Built up creosote is responsible for many of the over 25,000 chimney fires which spread into house fires every year in the U.S.

Not only can creosote and soot cause chimney fires, but they can also create blockages which interfere with the safe and efficient operation of the fireplace and chimney. A fire doesn’t burn or heat as well if there isn’t a proper flow of combustion gases up and out of the chimney. Another safety issue is attached to efficiency because if the gases don’t flow outside as they should, dangerous fumes can be released into the home, potentially including deadly carbon monoxide.

Besides cleaning out creosote, soot, and other potential blockage from your flue lining, we also clean out your firebox, damper, and smoke chamber. A thorough chimney cleaning will remove the dangerous deposits in the flue lining and clear the way for you to safely use and enjoy your fireplace and other heating appliances. The latest technology is used, to do the job right. Chimney sweeping is a dirty job, but we promise to leave your home as clean as it was when we arrived.

Chimney Inspection New York Area An annual chimney inspection is also recommended, chiefly because you can possibly save a lot of money by catching problems

in their early stages. During a chimney inspection, our technicians look for cracks, leaks, and defects which need to be repaired. The longer problems go without being fixed, the more costly it becomes to repair the damage. There are also potential hazards involved when a chimney is damaged. For instance, if the flue lining is cracked, it means that combustible portions of your home are exposed to heat from the fireplace, which could start a house fire. Also, while chimney masonry can last a century, the mortar joints only last, at best, about 25 years. Repairing mortar joints is much more cost effective than replacing a collapsed chimney.