The Importance Of Chimney Cleaning Minnesota

By Douglas Young


When it comes to keeping a house clean, many people do not prioritize on the chimney. Given that the job of this structure is guiding smoke from the house and that it is made of brick, many homeowners ignore it and instead focus on more pressing areas such as the flooring and yard. However, failing to clean chimneys can be a costly mistake. By performing chimney cleaning Minnesota residents can prevent fire accidents caused by the accumulation of creosote and soot.

Despite their relatively simple job and rustic look, chimneys need regular cleaning. This is a good way to prevent the accumulation of soot and creosote. Creosote is a chemical that is released when some materials are burned. The Wood Heating Alliance completed a study and concluded that creosote either by itself or when combined with other elements, is involved in ninety two percent of chimney fires. By cleaning their chimneys once or twice a year, Minnesota residents can prevent the accumulation of creosote.

Sweeping chimneys is a challenging task to carry out on your own. It is important to utilize the proper brushes and methods to make sure that the sides of the structure are cleanly swept. In addition, it is necessary to examine the chimney correctly before cleaning it to ensure that there are no structural defects such as cracks and missing mortar in the joints. Therefore, it is important to hire an expert chimney sweep to complete the task. This professional is equipped with tools and experience needed to clean chimneys.

Chimneys that are cleaned regularly and well maintained remain in good condition for many years. It is not necessary to perform repairs regularly on such chimneys. Property owners can install liners and caps on their chimneys to offer additional protection and increase their lifespan. Caps prevent rain, leaves and other items from getting into chimneys. This ensures that the structures stay dry. Liners on the other hand help to enhance safety.

Frequent sweeping of chimneys will also remove bad smells. Chimneys that have not been cleaned for a very long time can produce bad odor. The bad smell can be caused by creosote and soot.

Items like leaves, sticks and other debris can clog chimneys and get rotten or moldy. Even small creatures such as squirrel and mice can make their way into a chimney. If their droppings begin piling up or they die inside the structure, the odor will be evident in your home.

When you keep chimneys clean, you can prevent smoke damage. When creosote and soot build up in chimneys, they make them narrower. This can affect the way the structures remove smoke from the house. When the smoke is not well emitted, it will stick to the furniture, clothing and items. The smoke will also cause difficult stains on the walls and floor. Frequent cleaning of chimneys makes them well ventilated provides adequate room for the smoke to be emitted.

If chimneys are severely clogged, carbon monoxide poisoning may occur. This can lead to ill effects like confusion, dizziness, nausea or even death. When fuels are burned in well ventilated rooms, carbon monoxide is not an issue. Besides cleaning, you should also ensure that the structure is inspected regularly, especially after the winter season.




About the Author: