A wood-burning fireplace or stove can be a valuable addition to your home, offering both warmth and functionality. However, ensuring your chimney is properly maintained is crucial for safety and efficiency. There are two key services for chimney upkeep: cleaning and sweeping. This guide explores the differences and benefits of these services and why certified chimney sweep is essential.
What is a Chimney Sweep?
A chimney sweep focuses on removing creosote and soot buildup. These are byproducts of burning wood and accumulate over time. As a result, chimney sweep can done more frequently to prevent buildup, ensure wood burns efficiently, and reduce the risk of a fire.
What is a Chimney Cleaning?
A chimney cleaning is more thorough than a cleaning and is often completed by a professional. This service targets stubborn buildup, addresses structural issues, and examines the overall safety of the fireplace or stove.
Although chimney cleaning is done less frequently, it is still essential. Excess creosote or soot buildup is a fire risk which should be removed promptly, but a sweep also ensures there are no obvious or dangerous issues happening within the chimney.
Prevents Creosote Buildup
A professional can identify creosote and has the tools, such as brushes and vacuums, necessary to clean it out. Getting rid of soot is also essential as it can accumulate in your chimney and potentially cause health issues, including:
- Irritated skin and eyes
- Breathing difficulties
- Risk of cancer
Reduces Risk of Fire
Cleaning out a chimney while targeting creosote or other debris reduces the risk of a fire hazard, as creosote and leaves can be increasingly hazardous. Even if your fireplace seems suitable for a fire and does not smoke or raise concern, once lit, the heat creosote retains could cause serious damage.
Identifies Concerns
Lastly, a professional service that is well-trained in chimney cleaning can easily identify potential issues with the structure. This can include broken bricks, damaged flue liners, or problems with the chimney cap.
Premium Chimney Inspections
If you’re selling your home or switching insurance providers, you may receive a request for a premium chimney inspection. This is also referred to as The Wood Energy Technology Transfer (WETT) inspection and is separate from a sweep or cleaning. It is comprehensive and goes above and beyond the typical 16-point inspection in Ottawa, providing clear insights and information into the overall integrity of your chimney. At Top Hat, we are proud to be able to provide this service alongside other essential services for chimneys.
Can I Clean My Chimney Myself?
Understandably, some households with chimneys and fireplaces would like to attempt to clean the structure and appliances themselves. While this is possible, it is not recommended, especially for newer or inexperienced owners. Primarily, many do not own the essential items needed to clean their chimneys:
- Chimney brush
- Dust mask
- Creosote remover
- Dedicated chimney vacuum cleaner
Hiring a professional ensures a thorough job and can point out whether you need a complete cleaning or would benefit from an inspection.
Cleaning Wood Stoves
While we don’t recommend cleaning your chimney, there are some components of a wood-burning system that can be cleaned yourself. For example, your wood stove can benefit from a bit of DIY cleaning to ensure its safety and extend its lifespan. Check out our blog on How to Maintain Your Woodstove and Extend its Lifespan to learn more.
Top Hat is at Your Service
Our team at Top Hat ensures your chimney is safe and functional, providing professional chimney sweep or cleaning that maintains your fireplace and prevents potential issues. Contact us today to learn more or book an appointment.
