If you are typing “fireplace chimney sweep near me” into your search bar, you are probably looking for someone to help you clean and maintain both a chimney and a fireplace. There are many types of chimneys and fireplaces available, and if you are looking for a “fireplace chimney sweep near me” in Monmouth, you will probably find someone who knows about all the variations of a traditional element of interior design. A fireplace is a nice addition to your home, especially during the colder months in Spring Lake Boro, NJ, but you want to make sure you are working with a professional who will keep your home clean and safe, no matter which type of fireplace you choose to install. Here are some of the options for fireplaces and chimneys and the details about what will need to be done to maintain them.
Different Types of Fireplaces
Wood
A wood fireplace is probably what you would first think of when discussing a fireplace for your home; it is a small, stove-like box attached to a chimney in which you burn wood to warm your home. This type of fireplace brings with it many issues regarding maintenance and cleaning. Ash and smoke will build up over time, which can cause chimney fires, and you must be careful about what you burn in your fireplace. However, with the right knowledge and help from a professional, a wood fireplace can be a nice addition that will give your Monmouth home a traditional look.
Masonry
A masonry fireplace is typically a regular wood fireplace, with the inclusion of a hearth, mantel, and chimney made from bricks, blocks, or cobblestones. The bricks can be very stylish and give any setting a rustic look. A masonry fireplace can cost more to design and install, but the bricks will absorb and redistribute the heat from the fire to warm your home during the colder months in Spring Lake Boro, NJ. However, you should know that a masonry fireplace is much heavier than other options, and your house must have a concrete foundation, or it will not be able to take the weight.
Electric
An electric fireplace is simply an electric heater which is designed to look like a fireplace. There are many benefits to this type of fireplace; it still provides heat and gives a cozy look to your home, but it is also much easier to clean and maintain than a standard fireplace, since it is not actually burning anything or producing any smoke or ash. You will save money since you won’t have to pay for regular cleaning but be sure to still find a certified professional to install your electric fireplace.
Gas
Gas fireplaces typically produce a smaller flame and less heat than a real fireplace. Furthermore, there is less variation in style; you must have a glass cover for a gas fireplace for safety reasons. However, they are usually cheaper than other options. Gas fireplaces, like traditional fireplaces, must be cleaned annually, even though they do not produce creosote, a combustible substance that builds up in the flues of wood fireplaces.
Different Types of Chimneys
Masonry
Masonry chimneys are built from bricks or stones and mortar; they give a very nice, traditional look to the exterior of your home, however, like masonry fireplaces, they can be costly to install and maintain. Be sure this is an investment you want to make; another reason to search for a “fireplace chimney sweep near me” is to discuss how much work it will take to maintain an addition like this.
Metal
Metal chimneys still need to be cleaned regularly like a masonry chimney; if it is connected to a wood fireplace, there will still be buildup from smoke and ash that needs to be removed to prevent chimney fires. Metal chimneys are cheaper because they do not require as much design, but they are much plainer than a chimney built from bricks, blocks or stones.
Furnace Flue Pipes
It is also possible that you do not have a fireplace at all but a furnace which is attached to a flue pipe. This will not produce as much smoke as a wood fireplace, but it is still important that you understand how to properly clean and maintain flue pipes for the safety of those in your Monmouth home. If you are looking for chimney sweeping in Spring Lake Boro, NJ, you will hopefully find someone who can tell you about cleaning not only flue pipes, but any type of chimney or fireplace.