Fall is quickly approaching, bringing crisp weather along with it. For many, this means a period of more frequent fireplace use is ahead. If you are hoping to utilize your fireplace more throughout the upcoming months, then it is time to schedule your annual inspection and cleaning.
Regular fireplace and chimney maintenance is vital in ensuring that your home and family stays safe year round. Check out a few reasons why scheduling that yearly inspection is so important.
Preventing Fire
The more dirt, debris, creosote, and other build-up that occurs within a chimney, the greater your chances are of experiencing a chimney fire. Creosote is known for being highly flammable and twigs, leaves, and other nesting materials brought in by animals will easily ignite when given the opportunity.
A fire will not only damage your masonry and other various parts of your chimney, but can affect the overall structural soundness of your home, as well. On top of this, you put your entire home and family at further risk of harm when the chances of fire are heightened. Reduce this threat by hiring a professional to thoroughly clean every nook and cranny, while using the proper materials.
Ensuring Efficiency
If there are any blockages or damaged parts within a chimney, the entire system will function less efficiently. Without the ability to properly ventilate, a fireplace will spit any smoke and other fumes back into your home and your fireplace will remain unsuitable for use.
To build and maintain productive fires, have your entire fireplace checked out before you put it to work. An expert will clear out any excess debris, remove blockages, and make certain that everything is in proper working condition before any fires are lit. This will ensure that your home will be heated as efficiently as possible, thus reducing energy bills and heightening the overall atmosphere of your home.
Avoiding Harmful Toxins
If blockages are present, then smoke and other toxins are given nowhere to escape. This means friends and family will inhale the harmful gases produced by the fireplace. Carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to damaged health and hospital visits, so eliminate this risk by having your fireplace inspected before any fires are built.
To help ensure that no harmful gases are escaping your home, ask your chimney sweep about installing carbon monoxide detectors throughout it. This will add an extra level of protection for your family and you can rest easy knowing they are all out of harm’s way.
When it comes down to it, all of these things revolve around protecting your home and ensuring your family members stay in good health. At Weststar Chimney Sweeps, we have all of the tools and expertise necessary for adequately preparing your chimney for the changing of seasons we soon will face. Allow yourself the peace of mind you deserve by scheduling a cleaning and inspection today!