As soon as the warmer temperatures hit, you know that your chimney will not be working as hard as it did over the winter months. That is one of the primary reasons why you should get your chimney cleaned during the spring. You can have it cleaned and get that out of the way before nice weather hits and you’d rather be out doing other things. Another reason is because if you have it done now, you will not need to worry about it once the cold weather sets in once again. Here’s what happens when you hire a CSIA certified chimney sweep to clean your chimney.

Remove Creosote

The one thing that you want removed during a chimney cleaning is creosote. Creosote can build up over time and it can be found on your chimney liner, firebox, and damper. Creosote is very flammable and it does not take much build up before it can catch on fire inside your chimney. Chimney fires that are caused by creosote will burn fast and they will be hot, so the chance that your home will be destroyed is very high.

Eliminate Chimney Blockages

As a chimney sweep is cleaning your chimney, they will make sure that there are no blockages in the chimney. A blockage is usually caused when a small animal makes a nest inside the chimney. This nest is not only flammable, but it can cause the smoke to billow back into your home.

Chimney Inspection

Once a qualified chimney sweep is finished cleaning your chimney, they will do an inspection. They will be looking for anything that has been damaged since the last cleaning. If any water has been entering your chimney, your chimney liner may be corroded, which can cause significant damage to your entire chimney.

Damper Examination

A faulty damper can prevent the smoke from exiting your chimney. If your damper is not working properly, the smoke can enter your home, which is dangerous for your health and it can make a mess as well.

Chimney Exterior Inspection and Repair

The outside of your chimney is just as important as the inside. Any loose bricks or mortar will need to be replaced immediately or there is a chance that your chimney can collapse onto your house. A brick or two here and there is not too bad, but if they are left for any length of time, that one or two bricks can turn into a dozen bricks or more very quickly.

Check the Chimney Cap

The chimney cap plays several roles in the life of your chimney. A damaged chimney cap would also need to be replaced to keep the elements and small animals out of your chimney.

CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep in Drexel Hill

A CSIA certified chimney sweep will let you know about any damage that needs to be fixed. We can also tell you that everything needs to be fixed immediately. Not only are we looking out for your safety and the safety of your home, we are also trying to save you some money. Many small problems will not cost a lot to repair, however if these small issues are left for any length of time, they can become bigger and so will the repair bill.

Lou Curley’s Chimney Service is a local, family-owned and operated company with two CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps to better serve homeowners along the Main Line. Give us a call at 610-626-2439 to schedule an appointment for a chimney cleaning or inspection. Also follow us on Facebook for even more great information about keeping your chimney safe for years to come.