If you have a wood-burning fireplace or stove, cleaning your chimney is essential. It helps prevent the growth of dangerous creosote, which can cause a chimney fire. The presence of this toxic material in your fireplace or stove may indicate poor burning practices or a faulty appliance.
To properly clean your chimney, you need to make sure you have the proper equipment. A cordless drill is an ideal for this job, as well as a dust mask. For safety’s sake, be sure to wear a safety harness. As your local Reston VA chimney cleaning provider, A&T Chimney Sweeps of Reston always uses the right tools and safety equipment.
You’ll need to remove your chimney cap before beginning. Be sure to leave enough room in the smoke chamber to maneuver your brush.
Once you’ve removed your chimney cap, start scrubbing the walls of your chimney. Use a flashlight to help you work. Begin by scrubbing from top to bottom. Remember to use a brush that is sized to fit your flue.
If you don’t feel comfortable using a brush to clean your chimney, you should consider hiring a professional. Chimney sweeps are trained professionals who know how to safely navigate the roof and remove debris from your chimney.
Getting rid of soot from your chimney is not only important but can save you money. Soot contains cancer-causing elements, so it should be cleaned up as soon as possible.
When you hire a professional to clean your chimney, make sure they give you a step-by-step guide to the process. They should also explain the safety precautions.
