Wood stoves and fireplaces add a certain ambiance to a home. However, they are usually attached to a chimney. Take proper care of the chimney and make sure the ambiance continues. Chimneys need to be inspected each year and cleaned if necessary. Following this simple step reduces the possibility of a fire. Different deposits accumulate including glaze, creosote and soot. The glaze is a shiny substance that looks like tar. Experts say glaze is the hardest thing to clean in a chimney.
Chimney cleaning services in Baltimore MD must also tackle soot. Soot is a mixture of carbon residue and ash. Homeowners need to beware if they see soot residue because it is combustible. Indeed, call Complete Chimneys LLC right away. Meanwhile, creosote is also combustible and builds up in the vent. Creosote comes from fumes when people try to start a fire and fail. It shows up as a hard, dark material around the venting system. A chimney sweep cleans all these deposits for several reasons, including:
* making sure the vent works properly
* gets rid of chimney odors
* avoids a carbon monoxide problem
* maintains chimney structure
The rule is a chimney should be cleaned if there is a quarter inch of build-up. A variety of cleaning methods are used including standard, mechanical and chemical. Chimney Cleaning Services in Baltimore MD handles all methods. The standard way involves cleaning the chimney with brushes. This method works well but is not effective on the glaze. An electric motor is used to run wire brushes and special equipment for a mechanical cleaning. This form of cleaning removes creosote and glaze deposits. Chemicals can be used during the mechanical method for the heaviest build-ups.
One of the most important features of the chimney is a cap. Caps keep outside elements, outside. For example, rain and snow gets inside the chimney and erodes the joints and liner. The result is a chimney that falls apart over time. In addition, the chimney cap keeps unwanted visitors outside. If the chimney were not covered, birds and other animals could get inside. Most importantly, the cap keeps sparks from the fire inside. Protect your home by having an inspection this year.