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Get Your Chimney Swept for the New Year

New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day mark the end of the holiday season. It is a time for many to reflect on their accomplishments as well as set goals for the year to come. This year, instead of resolving to eat healthier or read more, make taking better care of your fireplace and chimney your new goal!

As the busy holiday season draws to a close, now is the perfect time to have your chimney swept and inspected. Having a chimney sweep done at the beginning of the year will give you peace of mind for the next 365 days that your chimney is in excellent working condition, providing warmth and comfort to your friends and family.

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How often should chimneys to be swept?

The Chimney Safety Institute of America, the most highly respected licensing agency for chimney sweeps, recommends that all chimneys should be swept annually. Likewise, they should also “be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances.” Annual chimney sweeps and inspections keep chimneys clean and in good working condition, as well as alerting homeowners to any developing problems or new damage that may have occurred during the course of the year.

What is done during a chimney sweeping?

A chimney sweep’s primary goal when cleaning a chimney is the removal of soot, ash, and creosote. Creosote is a naturally occurring byproduct of nearly all fuel burning fires. This black, sticky, and highly flammable substance can coat the interior of the chimney and is the leading cause of chimney fire. Because creosote buildup primarily occurs in the flue, even “clean” fireplaces should still be professionally swept.

In addition to removing creosote, ash, soot, and any other debris from the chimney structure, certified technicians will also take the time to inspect the accessible interior and exterior portions of the fireplace and chimney. Having an inspection keeps homeowners aware of the state of their fireplace system as well as identifying minor issues before they can turn into major problems. The masonry, joints, appliance parts, and connections will all be checked to see if there has been any change from your last inspection.

Why is an annual chimney sweep important?

“A chimney inspection is like an annual dental check-up,” says Ashley Eldridge, Director of Education for the CSIA. “It’s preventative maintenance that helps minimize potential hazards.”

While many homeowners put off having their chimney swept and inspected – especially if they use it infrequently or are not experiencing any problems or – there may be maintenance issues that they don’t see. Damaged masonry, chimney caps, or chimney crowns are almost impossible to spot unless you are on the roof, and the fit of the damper or amount of creosote in the flue is nearly impossible for a layman to ascertain.

Instead of putting it off or trying to do it yourself, trust the care of your chimney to the highly trained professionals at Guaranteed Chimney Service. Start the New Year off right with an annual sweep and inspection and enjoy your fireplace worry free for the rest of the year. Contact us to schedule an appointment today!

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