Do You Need a Chimney Sweep?
Sweater weather is right around the corner. For thousands of years people have gathered around open fires for warmth, camaraderie and celebration. Make no mistake, modern day fireplace are still the focal point of winter holidays and gatherings with friends and loved ones. As we begin to imagine brisk nights and the need to gather around and decorate our fireplace, especially around the holidays, make sure the inside and outside is able to handle it.
Homeowner Inspection
First determine the health of your fireplace and chimney. When purchasing a home with a wood burning fireplace or you just haven’t used the one currently you currently have for a while, take time to do a cursory inspection before striking the first match.
Look for:
- Unusual wear and tear of the firebox (the inside of the fireplace); gaps, cracks, or if the steel underneath is visible
- Fireplace smoke stains; on the ceiling or outside of the fireplace opening
- Chimney fire signs; rain cap is discolored or missing, exterior masonry has visible cracks
Don’t assume the fireplace and chimney are ready for winter fires. Take the time to look for these signs of unusual wear and tear to ensure gatherings around your hearth are as safe as possible. If the visual inspection you did yields some warning signals (e.g. lining looks deteriorated, excessive smoke stains) it is time to call in the professionals.
Professional Inspection
If your wood burning fireplace is used on a regular basis, The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends yearly inspection. Below is what can be expected when a professional chimney service has been hired.
According to House Logic, most chimney sweeps offer three levels of service:
- Level 1 Inspection: visual check of chimney and fireplace
- Level 2 Inspection: inspector checks roof, attic and chimney with special tools
- Level 3 Inspection: may involve tearing down and rebuilding the chimney
Level 3 is only for extreme cases where the fireplace and/or chimney were never cared for and/or were not properly built to withstand wood burning fires. To find certified chimney sweeps in your area, visit the CSIA website.
Remember safety first before gathering loved ones around to enjoy the warmth and comfort of a wood burning fire. To ensure the fireplace stays as healthy as possible throughout the burning season, only use seasoned firewood.
Premier Firewood Company™ Has the Best Firewood for Your Burning Season
We offer the best seasoned firewood, kiln dried firewood, in the NYC and CT areas at great prices, excellent service and convenience. Premier Firewood Company™ can deliver firewood to your residence or restaurant, and stack the wood for you at no extra charge. Give us a call today at 203-866-4252.