FAQ
What should I look for when hiring a Chimney Sweep?
The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends that people take a few steps when considering which chimney sweep will perform an annual inspection or related service on their chimney or vent. Because proper care and attention to service can help protect people from unnecessary fires and carbon monoxide poisonings, it is important to choose the professional wisely. While the CSIA recommends that people consider a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep®, there are additional questions that should be asked to ensure that the person hired is a credible service technician:
How long has the chimney sweeping company been in business?
Does the company offer current references?
Does the company have unresolved complaints filed within the city or state consumer protection agency or Better Business Bureau?
Does the company or individual carry a valid business liability insurance policy to protect your home and furnishings against accidents?
Does the company ensure that a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep will be on the job site?
Why Hire a NCSG member?
Hiring an NCSG member gives you peace of mind:
1. Membership indicates professionalism and credibility.
2. Members are required to sign and adhere to a Code of Ethics.
3. Members have access to regular technical updates via Sweeping: The Journal of Chimney & Venting Technology.
4. NCSG is the only nationally-recognized trade association for chimney professionals.
5. Affiliation is easily verifiable online with NCSG's Find a Member locator.
How Often Should I have my chimney inspected and cleaned?
This a tougher question than it sounds. The simple answer is:
The National Fire Protection Association Standard 211 says, "Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary."
This is the national safety standard and is the correct way to approach the problem. It takes into account the fact that even if you don't use your chimney much, animals may build nests in the flue or there may be other types of deterioration that could make the chimney unsafe to use.
The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends that open masonry fireplaces should be cleaned at 1/8" of sooty buildup, and sooner if there is any glaze present in the system. Factory-built fireplaces should be cleaned when any appreciable buildup occurs. This is considered to be enough fuel buildup to cause a chimney fire capable of damaging the chimney or spreading to the home.
Are there different types of chimney inspections?
Yes. There are three different levels of inspections. They are referred to as a Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3.
Visit the official NFPA website for a more detailed description of these 3 types of inspections.
For more information Click Here
Should I have a cap on my chimney?
Yes. A cap will protect your chimney from many potential hazards. For more information, I recommend you read the following article:
Why your chimney needs a cap
Not only will it keep out critters and leaves, but it will protect a masonry chimney from the devastating effects of the weather
To read the article Click Here
What is creosote?
Creosote is the condensation of unburned, flammable particulates present in the exhausting fine gas (smoke).
The cause of creosote is the temperature of the flue in the chimney. If the surface temperature of the flue is cool, the carbon particles in the smoke will condense and solidify, collecting on toe flue.
Because wet or green wood foams at a tower temperature or smolders, it can cause the flue to have a cooler surface temperature, thus leading to more creosote.
Seasoned fire wood or other wood that has been left out to dry for several months or a year, will burn hotter and thus increase the temperature of the flue. A hotter flue means less creosote buildup.
Can I do anything to prevent a chimney fire?
Yes. Please refer to the three different references listed below to learn what you can do to reduce the risk for and even prevent chimney fires.
1. How to Prevent a Chimney Fire Click Here
Chimney fires can result in minor damage or major house fires that cause loss of life. Whenever dealing with fire, it's essential to know safety protocol.
Most chimney fires result from carelessness on the part of homeowners and lack of chimney care. Simple maintenance and other tips can help keep residents safe. Chimney fires are easy to prevent if homeowners follow these recommendations.
Annual cleaning of the chimney will remove build-up of soot and creosote from inside the chimney. Leave this job to a certified chimney sweep. Failing to clean the chimney can result in these highly flammable materials igniting and potentially spreading fire to the rest of the house.
Have the chimney inspected once a year for wear and tear and anything that needs to be replaced or mended.
Build fires with dry, seasoned wood. Dry wood produces less smoke and smoldering than wet wood. Less smoke means less build-up on chimney walls. Look for wood that has been seasoning for at least 6 months to a year.
Build small fires that are easier to control and manage. A fire that burns compactly and well will also produce less smoke and build-up.
While most people tend to prefer the use of hardwoods because they burn longer, it really doesn't matter which wood is used so long as it is seasoned wood. Seasoned wood burns hot and clean.
A chimney liner can protect the chimney structure from excessive heating and exhaust fumes. It also enables the chimney to be cleaned more easily.
Install a chimney cap that will prevent debris, including twigs and leaves that are highly flammable, from entering the structure. It can also prevent small animals from entering the chimney and causing a fire.
Never use combustible materials, such as paper or liquid accelerants to start a fire. These materials can cause embers to float up the chimney and ignite creosote. Or, they may cause the fire to burn out of control.
Leave the damper open so that there is adequate air flow, which will limit the amount of creosote that forms.
2. Understanding creosote. For more information Click Here
Creosote is the condensation of unburned, flammable particulates present in the exhausting fine gas (smoke).
The cause of creosote is the temperature of the flue in the chimney. If the surface temperature of the flue is cool, the carbon particles in the smoke will condense and solidify, collecting on toe flue.
Because wet or green wood foams at a tower temperature or smolders, it can cause the flue to have a cooler surface temperature, thus leading to more creosote.
Seasoned fire wood or other wood that has been left out to dry for several months or a year, will burn hotter and thus increase the temperature of the flue. A hotter flue means less creosote buildup.
3. Firewood and wood burning. For more information Click Here
Are there any guidelines for using a wood stove?
Yes. To answer your question in more detail, please refer to the following article;
The Fine Art of Woodburning: Principles to Learn
To read the article Click Here