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When is it time to find a professional for chimney cleaning in Englishtown, NJ? Having a clean chimney is essential to preventing chimney fires and maintaining the safety of your Monmouth home, but how do you know if your chimney is clean enough or if you need to seek out a professional? At Apex Chimney Repair, we are happy to provide an inspection to assess what kind of maintenance your chimney or fireplace needs, but there are still ways to figure out what services you require on your own. Here are some sure signs that it is time to have your chimney cleaned.
Buildup is Evident
According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, your chimney should be cleaned when there is 1/8” of sooty buildup in the fireplace or the chimney flue. You should also check the chimney damper (the piece used to seal off the chimney when there is no fire burning to prevent cold air from entering your home). If this piece is covered in black gunk and buildup, you should consult a professional about having your chimney cleaned. Buildup in your chimney can be extremely dangerous; over time, the smoke and ash from your fire can cause the accumulation of creosote in the fireplace and chimney flue. Creosote is an extremely combustible substance that can cause chimney fires which can damage your home and endanger your family. Keep an eye out for buildup in your chimney and if necessary, call a chimney sweeping company in Englishtown, NJ to come in for an inspection.
Cracks and Other Damages
You should also consult a professional if your chimney or fireplace is obviously damaged; this can be just as dangerous as buildup. Cracks appearing in the panels of your fireplace are obvious; according to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, when you can fit a dime into one of these cracks, the panels need to be replaced. Making sure the lining of your flue is in good condition is also essential; however, you may not be able to accomplish this on your own. You should have someone come inspect your chimney flue occasionally to see if there are any cracks in the lining, and while they are doing this, you may be able to have them inspect the rest of your chimney and fireplace! Hiring someone to come to your Monmouth home for an inspection may seem tedious, but it is necessary to be sure of the safety of your residence. A chimney sweep can also help with other damages to the hearth, grate, damper, or exterior of your chimney; call a chimney sweep in Englishtown, NJ today to find out what types of services they offer.
Odors
A clean chimney will not make you want to hold your breath in your own home; if there are strange or unpleasant smells coming from your fireplace, a cleaning might be the solution. A moldy smell can be caused by an excess of moisture in your chimney from rain and elements that have gotten past the chimney cap. If it smells like you are burning wood even though there is no fire, it is probably from a buildup of creosote, which needs to be removed immediately, for the reasons previously detailed. If there is a sudden, putrid smell in your home, it may be caused by a dead animal in your chimney. A variety of small animals and pests can find their way into your chimney, and if you are smelling something strange, you will need a professional to come to your Monmouth home to remove the pest.
Poor Functionality
If any part of your fireplace is not working the way it is supposed to, it could simply be because the chimney is not clean; a clean chimney is a functional chimney. If your fires burn poorly or produce and excess of smoke, it could be the result of buildup or moisture in the hearth. If the grate or damper is stiff and noisy when you try to open it, it is possibly that it is because of greasy buildup. Debris and soot in the chimney flue can make it difficult for the chimney to draft properly and smoke will not flow through the chimney like it should. You may need to pay for a repair if your chimney is not functioning properly, but the simplest solution, which you should always consider first, is that you just need a cleaning.
You might be able to clean your chimney yourself, but if you are not a DIY type of person or want the reassurance of having a professional do the job, give us a call at Apex Chimney Repair today! We are experienced and certified chimney sweeps and will provide quality service that will not disappoint.