How often should my chimney be cleaned?
A chimney should be cleaned and inspected once a year in order to remove potential fire hazards including build up and obstructions and to insure that your chimney is safe to use.
When is the best time of year to have my chimney cleaned?
It is best to have your chimney cleaned once you have finished using it for the winter season, usually during the months of March, April, or May. If you believe chimney swifts use your chimney for nesting, it is best to have your chimney cleaned in early March, before they begin their migration.
Why should I have my chimney cleaned?
Between 1999 and 2002 the National Fire Protection Association reported an annual average of nearly 54,000 residential fires in the United States. These fires resulted in 320 deaths, nearly 1,300 injuries, and over $637 million in property damage. Chimney fires can be a direct result of failing to perform routine maintenance, such as chimney cleanings and inspections. Cleaning your chimney is one way to reduce the likelihood of a chimney fire and it can also help prevent the odors frequently emitted by a dirty chimney.
Exactly what does a chimney sweep do? A sweep will clean your chimney and can also provide three levels of inspection:
Level 1: If you have not made any changes to your appliances, this will most likely be the inspection performed. The inspector will examine the readily accessible parts of the chimney exterior and interior, as well as parts of the appliance and chimney connection. During the inspection, the inspector will be checking the condition of the chimney structure and flue and verifying that the chimney is free of obstruction and combustible deposits.
Level 2: When changes are made to the system, this inspection is required. Examples of changes include a new fuel source, altered flues (ex. Relining), or the replacement or addition of an appliance of a dissimilar type, input rating or efficiency. This inspection is also required if a property is transferred or sold or if an external event or operation malfunction has occurred which has most likely caused damage to the chimney. A level 2 inspection includes everything done during a Level 1 inspection with the addition of accessible portions of the chimney exterior and interior including attics, crawl spaces, and basements. Level 2 inspections require no removal or destruction of permanently attached portions of the chimney or building and no special tools are required to open doors, panels or coverings. The inspection will include a visual inspection performed using video scanning to observe the internal conditions of the chimney.
Level 3: When, after completing a Level 1 or Level 2 inspection, there is indication of a possible hidden hazard requiring special tools to provide access to concealed areas; it is recommended that a Level 3 inspection is performed. A level 3 inspection may require removal or destruction of permanently attached portions of the chimney or building structure. A Level 3 inspection includes all steps performed during a Level 1 and Level 2 inspection as well as the removal of certain components (caps, crowns, interior chimney wall, etc) if necessary to gain access to areas for inspection.
What is creosote?
Creosote is a dark brown or black flammable tar which builds up in a chimney as a result of burning a variety of fuels. Because of its flammable nature, creosote can be dangerous if left untreated. It is important to have your chimney cleaned in order to remove the build-up and protect your home from chimney fires.
How long will a chimney cleaning take?
A chimney cleaning usually requires approximately an hour to complete; however, this will vary depending on the condition of the chimney.
Will there be a mess left behind after I have my chimney cleaned?
Eurotech Chimney follows several procedures to ensure your home is left clean following a chimney cleaning.
- Clean drop cloths will be placed on the floor to insure against tracking.
- To make sure no soot, dust, or dirt enters your home, a cover will be erected to seal the front of your fireplace before sweeping.
- Your flue, smoke chamber, smoke shelf, and the firebox will be brushed completely before vacuuming.
- After sweeping, the workplace will be thoroughly cleaned by our staff and all materials removed from your premises.
- You shall receive a written report detailing the completion of the process and any further maintenance recommended.
Do you need to come inside my home in order to clean my chimney?
To provide a thorough cleaning, our workers will need to get inside your home. Depending on your chimney, the crew may also need to get on the roof.
Does it really matter which chimney company I decide to use?
Yes. Because the chimney service trade is not regulated and most states do not require chimney sweeps to be licensed, virtually anyone can enter the chimney service field. Here at Eurotech Chimney, we take pride in the training and skills provided to our employees. Our company has F.I.R.E Certified Inspectors, NCI Carbon Monoxide Certified Inspectors, and NFI Certified Gas specialists. All are national certification programs for the chimney service industry. At Eurotech Chimney we have a commitment to educating all of our staff to the highest industry standards. We provide a three year apprenticeship to all of our service technicians to ensure they are able to perform chimney work to the high level of standards required by Eurotech Chimney. Technicians arriving at your home will be wearing company uniforms and driving clearly marked vehicles so that they can be easily identified. To ensure you are given the best possible quote Eurotech Chimney utilizes a competitive standard pricing system so you don’t have to worry about any hidden or unexpected charges.
What makes Eurotech Chimney Restoration different?
While many chimney companies offer frequent coupons and "special offers" Eurotech Chimney doesn’t need to rely on extensive advertising to build our customer base. We are a professional service company servicing HVAC, real estate agents, builders, contractors, other chimney companies, and customer referrals. We have worked hard to build our reputation as a reliable, quality chimney restoration company through the praises of our customers. Because of Eurotech Chimney’s value in and history of customer satisfaction we don’t need to go searching for more customers they come to us.
How do you tell if you are being scammed?
Unfortunately there are many chimney companies which are not trustworthy. Chimney companies will use scare tactics to convince customers that they have no choice but to spend large amounts of money to rebuild or reline your chimney. One sign of this is a company that asks for a large deposit before any work is done or if they want to start the work immediately even though you are not experiencing an emergency situation. Remember if your instinct tells you something is wrong it probably is. One of the most common scare tactics is the use of carbon monoxide threats. While this is a possibility many companies will use this to scare you into spending your money. If you feel you are the victim of this type of scam or would like a second opinion please call Eurotech Chimney and we will make every effort to come out the same day and check your carbon monoxide levels for free. Further if you have a written inspection and/or estimate from another company we will gladly schedule an appointment to come out and provide you with a second opinion for free. Just be sure to mention that you saw us on nbc12.com Pros Online when you schedule your appointment.