However, there are general guidelines that can help you establish an appropriate cleaning schedule for your chimney. Without inspection by a professional chimney sweep, cracks and corrosion could also lead to other flammable debris falling into your chimney. Cracks can also lead to you getting damp in your chimney, which can cause a number of problems in your home. “The downside is that there may be a lot of soot or creosote on the rain cap itself that must also be cleaned.
Mason’s Chimney Service
“Ideally, you should be cleaning your fireplace after each use,” Mock says. “However, we know that sometimes that is just not possible or you simply don’t want to, so you should be cleaning your fireplace at least once a month.” If the chimney is difficult or dangerous to access, this could result in additional charges. For example, roofs with a steep pitch are more hazardous to work on, so the pro may charge extra for the job. The cost for professional, humane animal removal varies from one species to another, but averages between $200 and $600. Bats, for example, cost more than squirrels to get rid of safely.
To ensure that you don’t end up with a living room full of smoke during that first fire of the season, you’ll want to have your chimney cleaned at least once a year. Hiring a chimney sweep costs between $110 and $290, or a national average of $230. Read more about Fireplace Cleaning Littleton here. Furthermore, chimney sweeping can uncover any potential damage or issues with your chimney. During the sweeping process, a professional chimney sweep will inspect the chimney for cracks, loose bricks, or other signs of deterioration.
Chimney Fire
The sweep will remove any buildup on the chimney walls as well as blockages in the chimney itself. Expect them to take proactive measures to minimize mess, inside or out, and to clean up any debris before leaving. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America , there are more than 20,000 chimney fires every year in the United States alone. A dirty chimney typically contains a build-up of creosote, a highly combustible by-product of burning fuels such as unseasoned wood. This raises the risk of fire, leading to injury or even death.
We understand that a stove is a big purchase, so we’ll do everything we can to provide the best experience possible – from price to customer service. As a result, 4.5 out of 5 of our customers would recommend us to a friend. You can find more advice on our guide to cleaning and maintaining your stove. Clean, shovel, and sweep ashes out of your fireplace with these sleek nickel tools that come with a handy display bar for hanging them all.
Tools Required
Another cause of foul odor may be decaying debris, such as leaves or dead animals stuck in the chimney. If the fireplace has not been cleaned in a few years, it’s likely to have a considerable buildup of tar, soot, and debris. This will probably make it more difficult to clean as well as more expensive. It’s even possible that more than one cleaning will be necessary to remove creosote buildup altogether. Animals and birds sometimes take up residence in the fireplace. Depending on the species, the number of animals, and the difficulty in removing them, professional removal can cost $200 to $600. If repairs are needed once the animals are out, the cost can go up.
