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Bryn Mawr, PA Chimney Sweep: Hire Lou Curley’s Chimney Service for a Job Done Right

Are you a resident of Bryn Mawr? For chimney sweep services near you, we’re here to help. Locals have been relying on Lou Curley Chimney for years, and there’s a reason we’re the go-to chimney sweep company in the area for so many homeowners. If you want dependable service you can trust, call or book online now.

Do Unused Fireplaces Need Chimney Sweepings?

Yes – all fireplace, regardless of their fuel type or how frequently they’re used – need annual chimney sweepings. Over time, chimneys (even ones that never see fires) can accumulate debris – like animal nests, leaves, and moisture-related buildup. And these things aren’t just an issue if you want to light a fire down the line… Any type of clog or structural damage can invite other issues like:

  • foul odors in your home
  • animal invasions
  • damage in nearby areas of the home
  • lowered home value
  • aesthetic issues
  • …and more

Remember that, even a chimney that isn’t used is still exposed to the elements. Rain, snow, and humidity can enter the flue and create the perfect conditions for mold, mildew, and rust to develop. And the more damage your chimney faces, the more likely it is to spread to other areas of the home – we’re talking wood rot, wall/ceiling stains, and more.

Additionally, some homeowners may think their chimneys are unused because they don’t light fireplace fires, forgetting that other appliances, like gas or oil furnaces, vent through the same flues. And these appliances produce byproducts that can accumulate and create corrosive deposits if not regularly swept and addressed.

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original infographic with red banner at the top reads "FIREPLACE Q&A". Below, a speech bubble contains the question: "Do unused chimneys need chimney sweeps?". Another larger speech bubble presents the answer, which incorrectly advises that all fireplaces need annual chimney sweepings, regardless of fuel type or usage. It further elaborates on the need for chimney sweeping due to exposure to elements causing mold, mildew, rust, and potential damage to the home, concluding with a prompt to contact Lou Curley's Chimney Service. The bottom of the infographic features a silhouette of houses.

How Often Should I Have My Chimney Swept?

The general recommendation from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is that all chimneys, fireplaces, and vents should be inspected and swept at least once a year. That said, the frequency of your chimney sweeping needs may need to increase, depending on how often you use your fireplace, the type of fuel you burn, and the overall condition of your chimney.

For instance, if you burn softwoods, like pine, or unseasoned firewood – both of which produce more creosote – you may need to schedule chimney sweeping services more often. In addition, homes that rely on their fireplaces as a primary or secondary source of heat throughout the colder months, meaning fires are being lit all throughout the week, should also consider scheduling two or three sweepings per year to ensure maximum safety.

And yes – gas fireplaces, despite being famously cleaner than wood-burning options, still need annual inspections and cleanings. Although gas produces fewer particulates, it’s important to ensure that no debris, corrosion, or blockages are affecting the venting system.

In addition to frequency of use, there are certain warning signs that indicate you might need a sweeping sooner than scheduled. These include strong odors coming from the fireplace, smoke entering the home when a fire is lit, visible soot deposits, and nests or animals observed around the chimney.

All in all, regular chimney sweeping reduces the risk of chimney fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, and costly repairs. Need to get your next Bryn Mawr chimney sweep on the books? We can help – call today.

Chimney Sweep Near Me: What Do Chimney Sweeps Remove?

When you hire a chimney sweep for your annual flue servicing, they’re doing far more than just clearing out a little dust and soot. Chimney sweeps remove a wide range of materials that, if left unaddressed, can pose serious risks to your home and health, including:

original infographic with red banner at the top reads "FIREPLACE Q&A". Below, a speech bubble contains the question: "What do chimney sweeps remove?". Another larger speech bubble provides a bulleted list as the answer, explaining that chimney sweeps remove creosote (a flammable residue from burning wood), blockages (like nests, leaves, and sticks that can cause fires and gas leaks), and animals (such as birds, squirrels, raccoons, and bats that can build nests, cause odors, noise, and health risks). The bottom of the infographic features a silhouette of houses.
  • Creosote: This sticky, tar-like residue is produced when you burn wood. It’s extremely flammable, is a leading cause of chimney fires, and it needs to be regularly removed with specialized brushes, vacuums, and sometimes chemical treatments, depending on how severe it is.
  • Blockages: Chimney flue blockages can be caused by any number of things, but we most commonly see a build up of animal nests, leaves, sticks, and similar organic materials. Blockages can become major fire hazards, as well as cause dangerous gases (like carbon monoxide) to enter the home
  • Animals: Birds, squirrels, raccoons, and even bats often mistake chimneys for a safe spot to shelter, especially during colder months. They may build nests or become trapped inside, leading to blockages, unpleasant odors, noise, and even health risks from droppings or carcasses. A chimney sweep can advise on how to safely removes any animals, then clear out the nesting materials that are left behind to restore proper ventilation.

Lou Curley Chimney Sweep Services: Work With the Best Today

At Lou Curley Chimney Service, we’re committed to providing Bryn Mawr homeowners with the highest level of care, professionalism, and expertise. Whether you need a routine chimney sweeping near you, our certified team is ready to help keep your home safer and your fireplace performing at its best. Don’t settle for less – trust the experts who put your safety first. Contact Lou Curley Chimney Service today.