What Causes Chimney Fires?
Factors that increase the risk of chimney fires include:
– Failing to have your chimney swept often enough, which can lead to soot buildup.
– Blockages such as soot buildup, animal nests, or bits of foliage in your chimney that can restrict air flow.
– Burning wet or unseasoned wood, which increases the production of creosote.
How Often Do I Need A Chimney Sweep?
In general, with regular use of your chimney, you should have it cleaned yearly. Even if you don’t use your chimney, a yearly inspection is critical. Inspections determine if the chimney, flue, venting systems, and lining are up to code. Season Home Services offers free chimney inspections alongside your chimney sweep to ensure everything is in proper working order.
Over 25,000 chimney fires in the U.S. last year were responsible for over $120 million in home property damage.
2021 Chimney Fire Statistics - CSIA.org
Why Is An Annual Chimney Inspection Important?
The importance of yearly chimney inspections and sweepings cannot be understated, as they are the one true way to minimize the likelihood of a chimney fire sparking in the first place. The fact is that clean chimneys simply don’t catch fire.
Prevent Chimney Fires
Chimney fires can spread throughout your home in a matter of seconds.
Protect Your Health
Breathing the fumes from gas or solid fuel fires can be dangerous—or even fatal.
Avoid Smoke Damage
If a chimney is not cleaned regularly, soot will accumulate around the flue. This makes it difficult for the flue to draw the smoke upwards and can cause the smoke to enter your room. This soot will leave a black film around your hearth and soil any furniture, carpeting, and or decoration. Smoke can also leave black stains around your chimney, which can be difficult or sometimes impossible to remove.
Chimney Sweeps
In the 18th and 19th centuries, chimney sweeps were individuals who would climb up the shaft of a chimney and clean it as they went. Chimney sweeps would take on apprentices, typically young boys around the age of eight. Their roles were to climb the chimneys from top to bottom and remove ash and soot. By the turn of the 19th century, new technologies allowed for the job to be performed more safely and efficiently.
Fast forward to the 21st century and the term chimney sweep now refers more broadly to a chimney cleaning. Using the latest tools and technology – Season Home Services is proud to provide Pensacola, Mobile and the surrounding areas with clean, safe, and affordable chimney sweeping services.