When you hear the term “chimney sweep,” your mind may go straight to ideas of Mary Poppins and Victorian London. But what does the job of a real chimney sweep entail? The work of chimney sweeping in New Sharon, NJ is very important, because improperly cleaned, damaged, or malfunctioning chimneys or fireplaces can cause combustion which is very dangerous to the residents of your Monmouth home. Here is a description of some of the services that chimney sweeps provide and the elements of your home that they are responsible for.
Chimney Cleaning and Repairs
As you might expect, chimney sweeps are professionals who clean and maintain your chimney. It is essential to have your chimney flue cleaned routinely, because buildup from smoke and ash can cause chimney fires which can damage not only your chimney, but potentially other parts of your home as well. While you might be concerned about the cost of having someone come clean your chimney, safety concerns aside, this investment will be worth it in the long run when you do not have to pay for more chimney repairs or to fix any other damage to your home in Monmouth. Furthermore, if you think your chimney crown or cap might need to be cleaned, it is a good idea to hire a professional who can accomplish the job safely. The crown and cap are both exterior pieces of the chimney which are located on the roof of your home, so it might be safer to hire a professional rather than risk accidentally falling from your roof!
However, sometimes a simple cleaning is not the solution, and you may have to replace or repair components of your chimney; this is another part of a chimney sweep’s job. Sometimes accidents will happen, the weather or the elements will damage the exterior of your home, animals and pests will get into your ducts and chimney, or the state of things will simply get worse with time and use. Chimney sweeps are professionals who are responsible for many types of chimney repairs. The lining of your chimney is very important as it helps prevent combustion and is essential to your chimney functioning properly. Chimney sweeps will replace parts of your liner or repair cracks when necessary. Many chimney sweeps can also use a camera scope to inspect the state of your flue and determine exactly what repairs are necessary. These professionals can also repair or rebuild the crown or cap of your chimney to prevent rain and other elements from entering your home. A variety of other damages is possible, all which chimney sweeps are equipped to repair. Finally, sometimes animals will get into your chimney and make their homes there, in which case, you should call a chimney service company to get the critter removed!
Fireplace Cleaning and Repairs
Chimney sweeps are also responsible for cleaning fireplaces, since a dirty or malfunctioning fireplace can cause the same problems as an improperly maintained chimney: combustion, chimney fires, and damage to your home. Chimney services include cleaning the hearth of your fireplace to reduce the buildup of creosote, an extremely combustible substance which can cause chimney fires. A chimney sweep can also give you further tips about how to prevent creosote buildup, such as what type of wood to burn and other products that will ameliorate the problem. Furthermore, chimney sweeps can repair and replace the refractory panels of your fireplace. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, when you can fit a dime into the cracks of the panels of your fireplace, it is time to replace them.
Other Services
Chimney sweeps will do even more beyond these things to maintain your home. It is very important that you have a functioning fireplace and chimney, especially during the colder months in New Sharon, NJ. However, many chimney service companies provide other services related to ventilation in your house, such as cleaning air ducts or dryer vents. Dryer vents can cause fires in the same way that fireplaces and chimneys can; when they are not cleaned regularly, buildup can overheat and catch fire. Air ducts are slightly more complex: they are responsible for the circulation and filtering of the air in your home. Therefore, dirty air ducts can cause poor air quality in your home and affect the health of your family. Much of a chimney sweep’s job is concerned with the safety and well-being of the residents of your New Sharon, NJ home. It is very important that you find a professional you can trust, and at Apex Air Duct Cleaning and Chimney Services, we are dedicated to trust and honesty when it comes to our Monmouth clients.