Spring Refresh: Including Chimney Sweeping in Your Seasonal Cleaning Routine
Springtime comes with motivation to clean. A fresh start with the new season can make homeowners feel better and keep them in line with recommended cleaning and maintenance schedules. Chimneys are no exception! Including your chimney sweep in your spring-cleaning routine can help to elongate the life of your chimney, as well as minimize cost to repair down the line.
What is included in a chimney sweep?
While chimney sweeps can differ from company to company, they are thorough cleanings performed by licensed chimney professionals. The main focus for chimney sweepers is to tackle creosote — a common, yet toxic by-product that builds up on the inside of your chimney wall as wood burns. They use special brushes and even a chemical solution for extreme cases.
In addition to creosote removal, they will also be able to see if there is any deterioration on your chimney present. Catching these issues early can lessen future costs and potentially lengthen the life of your chimney.
How often do I need to clean my chimney?
The answer to this question differs based on who you ask. While there are many trusted sources out there, it’s best to ask your chimney professional for the final answer. However, for general guidelines, consider that the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends homeowners to schedule a chimney sweep every year. Whereas, the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) agrees with the NFPA’s guidelines, but they also note that once chimney debris reaches 1/8”, it’s time to schedule a cleaning.
If you use your chimney frequently, it may be beneficial to monitor this to see if you may need it more frequently than once a year. When in doubt, as your chimney professional next time you see them. Make sure to consider how often you have fires so you can give them a good idea of your usage.
What can I expect on the day of the chimney sweep?
If you choose Twin City, you can expect and trust a thorough, clean, and quick service appointment. While we deal with ash that can be potentially messy, we put down a drop cloth and use a very powerful vacuum to ensure minimal dust is left behind.
Do You Have Your Chimney Sweep Scheduled?
If you’re in the Minneapolis area, Twin City Fireplace, Masonry, and Chimney are the full-service experts to call. We have locations in Edina and Woodbury, MN with highly trained and experienced staff to help with anything to do with chimneys or fireplaces. If you’re in need of repairs, our team can also help with that — no matter the size or scale of issue.
Twin City specializes in the sale, service, and installation of gas and wood-burning fireplaces for indoor and outdoor spaces. We’re also licensed general contractors, gas fitters, and skilled masons to give you a seamless experience from the first call to the finished installation. Contact us today in Edina at 952-941-2685 or Woodbury at 651-204-0112.