The idea of paying someone to sweep your fireplace and chimney can be tough to accept, especially with the countless other items and services that seem more urgent. It might make more sense to you to invest your hard-earned paychecks on fresh food for the week, new outfits for the kids to wear to school, or that visit to the car mechanic you have been putting off. Of course, these investments are important and deserve your attention too, but do not misjudge the importance of proper chimney care. Failure to correctly maintain your chimney can cost you big time in the long run.
When you look for the best chimney specialist in your area, consider paying a few extra dollars for a serviceperson who is qualified. Hiring a technician with a formal certification in their field is akin to hiring a guaranteed expert. This choice will determine how much time, money and hassle you save in the future.
The Chimney Safety Institute of America offers nationally recognized certification for chimney sweep specialists. Just as you want your children’s teachers to be certified or your car mechanic to know what he is doing, you should expect your chimney sweep to be a complete expert as well. Although a noncertified technician could potentially do an adequate job of sweeping your chimney, you can never know for sure. By taking this unnecessary risk, you are putting the health of your family and the safety of your home in danger.
A badly swept chimney can cause several serious problems. For example, an obstruction caused by animals or debris may not be completely removed. This continued blockage can result in improper ventilation, which in turn can cause smoke to backup into the house and even cause carbon monoxide poisoning. In addition, a noncertified chimney sweep may not be adequately trained in the removal of creosote buildup. This tarlike product of burning wood builds up in the flue of the chimney over time. It is highly flammable, so it can start an unintentional chimney fire if not cleared properly. Creosote can also cause health issues, like lung cancer and birth defects in fetuses, so clearing the chimney of the toxic substance is imperative.
Aside from the physical act of cleaning out the chimney, a certified sweep will also be able to spot any structural defects in the chimney. Issues like water damage, a missing or damaged chimney crown, or a broken damper can be spotted easily by a trained expert.
If you want to hire a certified technician to help keep your home safe, get in touch with a professional and ask for proof of certification. If you live in the area of upstate South Carolina, contact Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps for a professional consultation.