Two Signs That It's Time To Clean Your Chimney
Posted on: 19 January 2016
If you have a chimney that you use during the cold seasons, it's easy to let years go by without doing much more than throwing logs into it and lighting a fire. However, just because your chimney appears to be working fine, it's important that you don't let this lull you into a false sense of security. Dirty chimneys are dangerous because the buildup can cause a fire to start that could potentially damage your entire home. Use this information to learn more about two signs that it's time to have your chimney cleaned.
Pay Attention To The Smells
While it is common to smell smoke when you burn wood in your fireplace, there are other smells that could indicate that the device needs to be cleaned. Paying attention to the smells that your chimney gives off is one of the key ways for you to determine if it needs a good chimney cleaning.
When you burn wood in your fireplace, a certain amount of creosote begins to build up in the chute. Creosote is the natural by-product of the smoke, vapors, tar fog, and un-burned wood particles that rise up in your chimney. It has a very strong odor, and can smell like freshly-laid asphalt or tar. As this begins to build up in your chimney, you'll find that you may even be able to smell it when the chimney is not burning wood, and the smell could spread throughout your home.
Don't ignore that scent. Call in a professional chimney cleaner right away so they can clear away the creosote before it has a chance to accumulate even more.
Your Fireplace Dumps Smoke Back In The Room
Another sign that it's time to clean your chimney occurs when you light a fire. If you find that you have a great deal of smoke flooding the room, it's time to get some professional assistance.
There are a number of reasons why the smoke is flooding back into the room, rather than going up through the chimney. It could be due to tar buildup, or it could mean that there is something obstructing the opening. Whether this is leaves or even a bird's nest, you won't know until you get help from a chimney cleaning company.
Heeding the signs of a dirty chimney is an important way for you to keep your family and belongings safe. If you notice these symptoms, take action right away so you can protect your home. Get more information about chimney cleaning by reading this blog.
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