Annual chimney cleaning and inspection is a necessary part of home maintenance. Over time, soot, and debris can build up in your flue. Ignoring this buildup puts your home and your family at serious risk.
In this guide, we will explore exactly why yearly chimney maintenance is crucial for British Columbia homeowners. We will break down the hidden dangers of a dirty flue and what the services are provided by LCMS professionals.
Creosote Buildup and Fire Hazards
If you live outside the Urban Containment Area and are permitted to burn dry seasoned firewood, or if you live within this area and have a legally permitted wood burning appliance, then every time you burn wood, smoke travels up the flue. As this smoke cools within the chimney, a sticky, highly flammable residue called creosote can cool and stick to the inside of your chimney causing a potential fire hazard.
Should a chimney fire ignite, it can burn incredibly hot and spread to the roof and surrounding structure of your home. A professional chimney sweep removes this dangerous creosote, practically eliminating the risk of a chimney fire.
What to Expect During a Chimney Inspection
If you have never had your chimney professionally serviced, you might wonder what the process entails. An LCMS professional will arrive at your home and lay down protective drop cloths around your fireplace in an effort to minimize the potential of debris spillover.
Specialized brushes attached to flexible fiberglass rods are used to scrub the flue from top to bottom, removing creosote, ash and debris. Once cleaned an inspection is done to check the structural integrity of the masonry fire box.
Conclusion
Annual chimney cleaning and inspection is an effective way to protect your home, extend the life of your heating appliance, and keep your family safe. Do not wait for the first freezing night of the year to wonder if your chimney is clear.
With having serviced as many fireplaces and chimneys as we have, it is not necessary for us to conduct an on-site inspection prior to determining these services.
Take action today by filling out Chimney Sweep Request form. A one of our specialists will contact you and
provide a free, no obligation quote.
