Chimney cleaning is a tiring task. But it has to be done then only the chimney can be cleaned. Many people seek the help of professional chimney cleaners to clean chimneys. But you can save lots of dollars by cleaning the chimney on your own. If you use the right tools you can do the Chimney cleaning easily. When the chimney is not cleaned properly the Creosote can slowly build up. This can result in a fire hazard.
Therefore it is best to clean the chimney from time to time. Some methods will help you to clean your chimney. So I know how to clean the chimney here. Try to keep the chimney in good condition before the winter months begin.
Why is it important to clean a chimney?
When wood is burned in the chimney it will release a lot of contaminants. These can create a coat of dirt in the interiors of the chimney. Also, the organic and flammable debris can get inside the chimney through vermin, birds, and other animals. But one thing that is worse than the other contaminants is creosote. They can be very difficult to remove.
Creosote is a black and oily contaminant by-product. This can get created inside the chimney because of wood burning. The fire burning in the fireplace will release smoke, vapors, wood particles, and more. So this will result in the substance called creosote. It is flammable and has caused house fires.
If your chimney walls look ash, flaky and glazed then you have to remove it immediately. Because then the creosote layers will become thick and it will become hard to remove.
That is why there is a requirement to clean the chimney frequently. Otherwise, the chimney will not warm the room properly in the winter months. Also, it will be hard for you to start the fire. Further chimney cleaning prevents chimney fire. It will start with a pop and flames will bust out from the holes of the chimney. So it can be disastrous. Sometimes the fires cannot be controlled. That is why cleaning the chimney is necessary.
How much chimney cleaning will cost?
If your chimney requires the attention of a professional then the chimney cleaning cost will be between $129 and $378. Some chimney cleaning services offer frequent maintenance of the fireplace and chimneys. This will cost less as the professionals will prevent the chimneys from getting extremely dirty.
Therefore you can check the costs of the chimney cleaning near me and decide. But many homeowners have now learned to clean the chimneys on their own. So cleaning the chimney with DIY methods can help you to save lots of money.
Steps to clean the chimney
1. Get the right tools
The first thing to do before cleaning the chimney is to make sure you have all the right tools. You can purchase the necessary cleaning tools from the online store. Also, there are tons of different brushes and other cleaning essentials available. But only buy the materials that suit your chimney. You can have a look at the size of your chimney and buy the tools that fit it.
2. Close the fireplace
You can make use of some plastic to seal the fireplace. Make sure the fireplace area is closed. This is because the cleaning process can create a lot of soot. So this may fall and make your house messy. You can use 4-6 mil plastic and duct tape. This will help you to seal the fireplace area. Further, you can use a vac hose in the sealed area so the chimney dust will get sucked by the hose. This will keep the dust off your house.
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3. Have a look at the roof while Chimney Cleaning
Now you can get up on your roof to inspect it. Make use of a sturdy ladder so it will be safe. But climbing the steeper pitched roofs can be hard. So ensure to follow the necessary steps to make the climb as safe as possible. Then climb the ladder and get to the roof. Remove the cap of the chimney by unloosening the screws that are holding it.
4. Check the chimney liner
You can use the flashlight to look inside the chimney. Inspect how much soot and dirt you have to clean. Then you can use a GoPro or action camera which you can send down the chimney. This will give you a clear look at the condition of the chimney. With the help of the camera, you can also spot the obstructions. If it looks clean then your job will be easy. But if it needs thorough cleaning then roll up your sleeves and get ready for work.
5. Put together the chimney brush
If you have the chimney brush you can keep it ready while chimney cleaning. Put it together by attaching the fiberglass rods. Also check if you have a good respirator, safety goggles, and gloves. The rods have to be properly attached in the right size so that they will be suitable for your chimney.
You can begin at the bottom and clean your way all up the chimney. This will make your work easy. Put the liner inside the chimney and clean all the dirt in it. Then use the camera and flashlight to check if the work is done.
After cleaning the chimney you can put back the chimney cap. To clean all the debris that must have fallen in the fireplace you can use a shop vac.
6. Tidy up the firebox
The dust will have settled in the fireplace. Therefore remove the plastic seal from the fireplace and try to thoroughly clean the inside of the fireplace. This will allow you to enjoy uninterrupted warmth from the fireplace.
Further, you can burn creosote burning logs from time to time. This will prevent the creosote from building up. But never use it as a replacement for cleaning the chimney. It is not enough. The house chimney must be cleaned once every year thoroughly.
Conclusion
The chimney and the fireplace is an important part of a household. During winter, families can sit together near the fireplace to keep themselves warm from the chill. Therefore keeping the chimneys in good order is essential.
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