Everything You Need to Know about Cleaning Your Chimney

Your chimney is an exhaust system that prevents heat, moisture, and smells from entering your home. Because of this, it sometimes gets sooty and must be cleaned regularly.

Here are some of the important reasons you should keep your chimney clean:

• Safety

A dirty chimney full of soot can be a serious fire hazard. The fire may not have enough oxygen to keep burning as it gets full. That’s why your chimney will start to smoulder and could catch fire. The fire could burn from your chimney and spread to your house, causing damage and possibly injuring people.

• Soot

Soot is a byproduct of combustion and is made up of solid particles of carbon. When the soot is allowed to build up, it will restrict airflow and cause a backdraft.

A backdraft, or smoke explosion, is caused when the chimney cannot pull the smoke up, and it builds up inside, causing a sudden and complete reversal of the airflow. This can be extremely dangerous and lead to injury or death.

• Creosote

Creosote is rust that forms when moisture mixes with the carbon inside the chimney. It can spread to nearby surfaces, damaging and even destroying them.

• Poor Performance

A dirty chimney will not work as well. It will not be able to pull the smoke up or expel it well. It will be hard for the smoke to get out. This will mean that your fire will be smouldering, which can cause a fire.

How Often Should You Have Your Chimney Cleaned?

Once a year. It is recommended to have annual maintenance that includes cleaning and inspection.

Can You Clean Your Chimney Yourself?

Of course, you can! There are many do-it-yourself kits in the market that you can use. But remember, they do not usually include a full inspection, so you will not know if your chimney has some cracks or problems. It is always better to have a professional do it.

There are many things that can go wrong when you clean your chimney yourself. You can get hurt, your house can get damaged, or you can even start a fire. So always be careful, especially when dealing with gas or fire.

How Do You Clean the Inside of a Chimney?

You need to clean the inside of the chimney to remove the soot, which is made up of the solid particles of carbon.

It is recommended to use a chimney brush for inside cleaning. You can use a smaller brush for the flue and a larger brush for the inside of the chimney.

You can use a sturdy brush, such as a wire brush, stiff-bristled broom, or even a mop. If you have a shop vacuum or a wet-dry vacuum, you can attach it to a brush to get the job done faster. After brushing, use a vacuum to vacuum all the loose material.

In a Nutshell

If you are serious about safety, then you will need to clean your chimney annually. It is the best way to keep it in good shape to work correctly. And it is always good to hire a professional, instead of doing it yourself.

When it comes to chimney repair services in Toronto, Red Robin Masonry has you covered. We are the most trusted masonry company in the area. Contact us today!