It is common for soot and creosote to accumulate in chimneys that are frequently used. This flammable and sticky substance is dangerous since it could torch the entire house with the smallest spark. Frequent chimney cleaning is required to avert this danger. Professional cleaners are usually expensive to hire. To save the situation, simple tools from the hardware will get the work done within a regular house cleaning session.
The status of the flute of your chimney will tell you whether it is time to clean or not. Using a knife or a pencil, you peel on the side to collect the accumulated creosote. If it exceeds 1 / 8 of an inch, it is time to clean. The best time to clean your flute section is in Fall. This prepares you for the season where burning is inevitable. In fact, you only clean this section once a year. Failure to clean the area will torch the area the first time you light a fire.
Animals like birds, squirrels and raccoon take advantage of chimneys during the cold season. They are likely to camp in the area and cause blockage. Before beginning ordinarily clearing, check whether they have camped there. They may also have built nests and abandoned them, leaving the area blocked.
An ordinary brush or rag cannot be used to clean the flute section. You need a brush whose design matches that of your chimney. If the area is round, a circular brush is required. Where it is rectangular, choose a brush that can scrub all corners. A ladder will also enable you reach the top of your roof. Use masks and goggles to protect you against dust.
Whether you are clearing the area bottom-up or up-down, you need protective gear. If you have a brush with a reliable handle, you can do it alone. The cleaning brush usually has a heavy material hanging to pull the brush down. Where such a pipe or rod is not available, you may use a rope with the brush tied in the middle. In this case, you have to be two cleaners, one pulling from the bottom and another from the top.
The entrance also accumulates debris that needs to be removed. The dirt removed from your flute will also gather here. Scope it with a spade and clear the area, carrying off the dirt using a bucket. You may use a blower to deal with fine dust particles.
The law prohibits the disposal of flammable materials in an ordinary pit. This means that the disposal of creosote and soot should be according to local authority regulations. As you clean your chimney, watch out for cracks or deformities especially on the outside. Debris hanging from this area should be removed to keep it light, secure and safe.
There should be no branches or animal nests near your chimney. This intrusion may introduce debris down your flute leading to blockage. Hire a professional chimney cleaner in San Diego, CA if the amount of work demands such.
The status of the flute of your chimney will tell you whether it is time to clean or not. Using a knife or a pencil, you peel on the side to collect the accumulated creosote. If it exceeds 1 / 8 of an inch, it is time to clean. The best time to clean your flute section is in Fall. This prepares you for the season where burning is inevitable. In fact, you only clean this section once a year. Failure to clean the area will torch the area the first time you light a fire.
Animals like birds, squirrels and raccoon take advantage of chimneys during the cold season. They are likely to camp in the area and cause blockage. Before beginning ordinarily clearing, check whether they have camped there. They may also have built nests and abandoned them, leaving the area blocked.
An ordinary brush or rag cannot be used to clean the flute section. You need a brush whose design matches that of your chimney. If the area is round, a circular brush is required. Where it is rectangular, choose a brush that can scrub all corners. A ladder will also enable you reach the top of your roof. Use masks and goggles to protect you against dust.
Whether you are clearing the area bottom-up or up-down, you need protective gear. If you have a brush with a reliable handle, you can do it alone. The cleaning brush usually has a heavy material hanging to pull the brush down. Where such a pipe or rod is not available, you may use a rope with the brush tied in the middle. In this case, you have to be two cleaners, one pulling from the bottom and another from the top.
The entrance also accumulates debris that needs to be removed. The dirt removed from your flute will also gather here. Scope it with a spade and clear the area, carrying off the dirt using a bucket. You may use a blower to deal with fine dust particles.
The law prohibits the disposal of flammable materials in an ordinary pit. This means that the disposal of creosote and soot should be according to local authority regulations. As you clean your chimney, watch out for cracks or deformities especially on the outside. Debris hanging from this area should be removed to keep it light, secure and safe.
There should be no branches or animal nests near your chimney. This intrusion may introduce debris down your flute leading to blockage. Hire a professional chimney cleaner in San Diego, CA if the amount of work demands such.
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