Chimney Service Lacey Should Not be Ignored

Taking care of your chimney and fireplace or wood burning stove is an important part of owning one.  When cared for properly, fireplaces can bring a lot of comfort and joy.  However, when neglected or used constantly without a proper cleaning, they can be dangerous. Putting your home and family at risk is as easy as not doing anything.  Calling in one of the most experienced companies who offer chimney service Lacey like Carlin Chimney & Duct Service is a step in the right direction.  An annual inspection and cleaning are the best way to protect your home and maintain a high level of safety.

Why is Cleaning Important

Every year, prior to using your fireplace for the first time, a professional cleaning should be done. This is important for many reasons, but perhaps the most important one is to eliminate creosote buildup.  This is so crucial because creosote is a highly flammable substance.  If it is allowed to collect inside your chimney, you are at great risk of a chimney fire.

In addition to creosote, there are other dangers that are associated with dirty chimneys. Chimneys can become blocked with either creosote or another material such as debris from trees or animal nests. If this occurs and you light a fire, smoke and carbon monoxide may be unable to escape through the chimney.  Carbon monoxide poisoning is extremely dangerous and virtually indetectable.  Smoke inhalation can be very harmful to everyone, but especially the elderly, children, and pets.

Keeping your chimney clean is extremely important in keeping your chimney safe.

Creosote Buildup is a Major Concern

Creosote is a byproduct of burning wood.  It is mainly made up of tar.  As the amount of creosote increases inside your chimney, so does your risk of a chimney fire. Chimney fires are very dangerous because they can quickly turn into a house fire.  Additionally, it is possible for you to not be aware that you have had a chimney fire.  The danger in this is that these types of fires can do a lot of damage to your chimney.

3 Levels of Creosote Buildup  

Creosote buildup is rated on a scale of 1 to 3.  Level 1 is the lowest level of buildup and Level 3 is the most.  The best-case scenario is that you have your chimney service Lacey performed when creosote buildup has not advanced past stage 1.  This level is very easy to remove, but the thicker the creosote, the more difficult it is to remove.  The more difficult it is to remove, the more tools and steps it takes to remove it.  This makes it more expensive as well.  In the worst cases, sometimes it is less expensive and easier to replace the chimney liner than to attempt to remove the creosote.

Chimney Fires Can Cause Major Damage

Your chimney is designed to transport smoke and gases out of your fireplace, but is not intended to withstand the heat of a fire.  This means that if you do have a chimney fire, it can cause a lot of damage.  The results can be cracked flue tiles, melted liners, and buckled pipes.  Any of these effects are potentially unsafe.  By scheduling your annual chimney service Lacey, the technician can check your chimney both externally and internally to look for any signs of a chimney fire or damages.

Chimney Service Lacey Keeps You Safe

Chimney safety starts with proper use. There are things that can exacerbate buildup, but they can mostly be avoided with appropriate use. For example, using improper fuel like unseasoned wood, fire starter logs, and adding things to the fire are common mistakes homeowners make. All these can increase the buildup of creosote. Aside from removing creosote from your chimney, your chimney service Lacey should include a full inspection. This should include making sure the chimney is free from obstructions. Any blockages within your chimney is an immediate cause for concern. A proper chimney cleaning isn’t simply brushing out a chimney.  It is an inspection to identify any potential issues or damages.  Neglecting your chimney service increases your homes threat of fire.  Even the slightest imperfections in your chimney can affect performance.  If your chimney is not operating at its top level, it can be a dangerous amenity in your home.