How Often Should I Have My Chimney Cleaned?

It might be sitting there unused now, but it’s just a matter of time – and a sure blast of cold weather that Dayton is known for – before you might wonder how often you should have your chimney cleaned.

 

 

When to Clean Your Chimney

At Van Martin Roofing , we recommend that when it comes to residential roofing and chimney issues, it pays to defer to the experts. Among them, the Chimney Safety Institute of America, which suggests that chimneys be cleaned when a 1/8-inch layer of soot builds up inside the chimney or flue – and even sooner if a glaze is detected within the system.

At this point, you wouldn’t be the only Dayton homeowner who wonders whether this means you should pull out a ruler and measure that sooty buildup yourself. The good news is no, you don’t have to.

Another group of experts – the National Fire Protection Association – advocates that chimneys and fireplaces be cleaned and closely examined once a year.

Reasons for Cleaning Your Chimney

Creosote

A residential roofing and chimney expert in Dayton can get your chimney in tip-top shape by removing the soot and creosote that naturally forms in fireplaces.

Creosote is a natural byproduct of woodburning. The problem is, when too much of this flammable substance accumulates, it can trigger a fire that can damage the chimney and your home.  This is a good reason to avoid using pine; it produces creosote at a much faster rate than other types of wood.

Creosote buildup also interferes with the heating efficiency of your fireplace. In other words, it might take more wood, and more time, to create the warmth you’re after.

Pests

While eliminating creosote is by far the greatest advantage of getting your chimney cleaned, it’s not the only one. Squirrels, raccoons, birds and other animals might be using your chimney as a safe harbor against the elements – or worse, as a nesting place for their growing family.

Debris and Inspection

Branches and leaves also find their way into chimney openings, and a thorough chimney cleaning will ensure that your chimney is literally in the clear so that it operates as it should.

Then there’s the matter of preserving the structural integrity of your chimney, which can be assessed only from (no pun intended) a bird’s-eye view.

To reap these benefits, call an experienced professional who can inspect your chimney from the inside and out – and provide you with the peace of mind that you and your family deserve.

As your local residential roofing contractor, at Van Martin Roofing we recommend you regularly check your chimney to prevent fires and deterioration of the chimney structure from occurring.

When you need roofing done or have any questions, contact Van Martin Roofing, a dependable, reputable residential roofing contractor with a proven record for quality roofing.

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