Want to create the perfect aesthetic this holiday season? Enhance the mood and comfort of any evening by getting a fire going in the fireplace! A cozy hearth brings family members together, and it really sets an ideal mood throughout both Thanksgiving and Christmas festivities. Unfortunately, many times these nights indoors are ruined by smoke back-up, inefficiency, and other dangers.
Because of this, it is vital that all fireplace owners schedule an inspection and sweeping before putting their system to use. Learn more about the threats involved with operating a dirty or damaged chimney by reading below, then give our experts a call to set up your annual appointment. Top Hat Chimney & Roofing is eager to have your back every step of the way!
Creosote & Your Chimney
A major reason both inspections and sweepings are such a necessity is due to a substance called creosote. Creosote builds up inside of your flue and chimney, and it clings your masonry walls as you light fires throughout the year. As you can imagine, any kind of debris that adheres to your brickwork is harmful, but creosote is especially threatening because it is very flammable.
If your creosote ignites, a chimney fire will occur. Chimney fires do a lot of damage in a short amount of time. They cause the metal components of your structure to warp, they damage your liner, and they cause your masonry to crack and crumble. Unfortunately, they aren’t always loud events, which means many families will continue using their fireplace, totally unaware that they face some serious threats by doing so.
If there are any damages throughout your structure, having them addressed right away is vital for avoiding catastrophes such as carbon monoxide exposure, smoke inhalation, house fires, and more. Your structure could also weaken significantly and collapse, putting both your home and family at risk.
What can you do to slow the rate at which creosote forms? First of all, be sure you are only burning properly seasoned wood in your fireplace. No wrapping paper, paper plates/cups, or trash should be tossed in the flames, and you should also make certain the wood you use has been appropriately dried out. Seasoned wood will have been stored for at least six months, and it will have been kept protected from snow, rain, and harsh weather.
If you want to know for certain the logs you are using are seasoned, follow these guidelines:
- They make a hollow noise when smacked together.
- They are lightweight (or free of excess water).
- They are dark and split at the ends.
- They are cut to a shorter length.
You’ll also want to ensure your fires are burning hot enough and that airflow isn’t restricted. The proper draft can go a long way when it comes to operating your fireplace as efficiently as possible, and you definitely won’t notice creosote accumulating as quickly!
That being said, the best step you can take towards avoiding creosote-related damages is to invest in sweepings by a team of certified sweeps. That’s where we come in! Call us today, so we can come to check things over.
We’re Qualified To Spot Damages
Another reason annual inspections are encouraged is so that sweeps can spot any damages before they get worse. Water, for example, can cause a lot of harm to your brickwork and mortar if your system isn’t adequately protected. We can make certain everything is fixed up and looking great, then we can waterproof your bricks so that water cannot work its way back in anytime soon.
We can also check out your crown, damper, chimney cap, flashing, and more to make certain everything is functioning well. If any of your chimney components need repairs or replacing, we can handle it all, so you can rest easy when lighting fires in the months ahead. Please don’t hesitate to reach out today – your safety is our number one priority!
Do You Have Blockages Or Other Obstructions?
Finally, remember that over the spring and summer months many birds and woodland critters like to set up camp in people’s chimneys. You could have animals, leaves, twigs, and all kinds of other nesting materials built up inside of your flue, all of which can leave you with a smoky living room when it comes time to light a fire.
We can get everything out, then set you up with a strong, sturdy chimney cap, so that you aren’t left with the same problem this time next year. It’s the right move to make!
Why Trust Our Experts?
Here at Top Hat Chimney & Roofing, we have been serving Fayetteville and its surrounding cities and towns for 36 years now, and we have received countless positive reviews and testimonials regarding our services. Our professional crew will offer you the care and attention you deserve, and we never settle for anything less than the best.
We also take education very seriously, and we are associated with a long list of reputable organizations such as the CSIA, the NFI, the NCSG, the HPBA, the NFPA, and more. We have the experience, the savvy, and the technical knowledge to get the job done right. Don’t put off the care you deserve any longer. Call now!
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