Chimneys are one of the most staple ventilation structures that we see in homes. Apart from being elegant and classy, chimneys are also responsible for removing harmful gases from a fireplace. Chimneys also add a nice ambiance to homes and keep the residents warm and cozy throughout the harsh cold winter. Although they have been around for a while, chimney cleaning is still considered to be an unnecessary hassle by many homeowners. But like almost every appliance and installation in your home, your chimney needs upkeep and maintenance as they are prone to buildup and debris from all the harmful gases and soot. Similarly, ensuring the proper functioning of your household appliances through regular maintenance can prevent the need for common appliance repairs and contribute to the overall safety and efficiency of your home. There are many products and cleaning options available on the market for maintaining a chimney. But nothing is a replacement for a reliable chimney cleaning service. This is where professional chimney service providers like Chimcare come in, as they are known for providing expert chimney sweeps serving all of Portland, OR. In this article, we will learn about certain FAQs related to chimney cleaning and repair services.
Things To Know About Your Chimney Cleaning And Repair:
How often should I inspect my chimney?
A skilled chimney sweep can inspect all of your chimneys, stoves, fireplaces, and vents at least once each year. For instance, the Level 1 chimney inspection and sweeping will analyze the structural integrity, free of blockage and debris, as well as if the necessary clearances are still in place. If there are any repairs or replacements required, the professional will let you know about it. This way, an annual chimney inspection will allow you to find out what needs to be done before it becomes a problem.
What is the average cost of chimney cleaning?
How recently you have had a chimney inspection or cleaning will determine the cost of your chimney inspection. Expect to spend more if you have never had your chimney cleaned from the day it was installed. A chimney cleaning job can cost you anything from $129 to $378, as $252 is the national average for chimney cleaning. However, depending on where you reside, chimney sweep prices might be more or cheaper than the national average.
What will the chimney sweep do?
Your fireplace and chimney will at the very least be inspected and cleaned by a professional chimney sweep. Depending on where you live, the present condition, and the pace of the professional sweep, you should expect it to take an hour or two. The inspection and cleaning might start inside, on the roof, or both, and a camera might or might not be used during the process. The sweep will clear out any buildup on the chimney’s walls and obstructions within the chimney. You can count on them to take necessary steps to decrease buildups and debris for future use both outside and inside. The job duration can take several hours if your chimney requires a thorough cleaning, such as a chemical treatment to remove late-stage creosote glazing. Depending on their rules and the equipment they have available, a chimney sweep may complete simple repairs like repairing a broken chimney liner or a missing chimney cap within a single day.
Should I do it myself?
While cleaning the chimney will mean that you will save money, you should always remember that professional sweeps use a variety of industry-grade products and state-of-the-art equipment for cleaning chimneys. There are also several safety issues at play. Cleaning of a chimney involves ongoing exposure to hazardous chemicals like creosote and different carcinogens. Hence the answer to this question is no.
Should I clean and inspect the chimney even if I don’t use it?
For a variety of reasons, some homeowners may decide not to use their fireplaces, or they may decide to take a break and not use them for a whole year. Even if you very rarely use your fireplace, you should still get it cleaned and have the chimney inspected. If you have a chimney, the other heating appliances in your house will discharge harmful gases through it. Those potentially dangerous vapors cannot escape if anything obstructs your chimney, and they will stay inside your house instead. This is one of the most common mistakes people make while heating their homes. Uncleaned and uninspected chimneys are also known for being fire hazards.
While looking for chimney cleaning and repairing services, it is always advisable to go for a company that has been around for a while and comes with a certain level of experience and legitimate certifications. A chimney is an intricate and complex system that is filled with gas and fire byproducts, which is why it is always important to rely on professional services as only they can know what problems need fixing or replacing. For instance, damaged flues, missing caps, and bad flashing. A clogged or damaged Chimney can cause fire or prevent harmful gases and by-products from leaving home. Hence the right professional can recommend certain repairs or replacements.