samedi 25 avril 2015

Why A Professional Chimney Sweep Is So Important

By Toni Vang


In winter, staying warm is one priority in the home. Some people use fireplaces to do this, and as they may be aware, using a fireplace involves keeping the chimney in working order. It may sound strange but chimneys need attention and maintenance. This isn't always something that the owner of the property is able to perform themselves, and at such times they should then contract a professional chimney sweep.

Yet they should also take into account that sweeps are not informal, unregulated operators. There is, in fact, a national sweep authority, the Chimney Safety Institute of America (the CSIA), which trains and issues certification to the sweeps. This is important when you are searching for a sweep, because you should ask to see their certificate. Only use one who has official certification.

A basic issue in the maintenance of smoke outlets is the deposit of creosote on the walls of the interior. This is a chemical that is produced by the combustion of plant material. The scientific name creosote actually refers to an entire group of such compounds, which are carbon-based. In fireplaces that use wood, the burning of newly-cut wood or wood that is still green and moist causes more of this chemical to be formed.

The creosote attaches to the masonry in the outlet and collects into deposits there. This is extremely dangerous and should not be allowed to happen. Regular and thorough sweeping is needed to prevent this threat from arising.

Creosote itself is highly combustible. In other words, it can easily catch fire. This is particularly possible in chimneys, where it is exposed to air at high temperatures. This is known as a chimney fire, and these fires can potentially cause the entire home to burn down. Their sparks can cause fires in neighbouring properties.

One in four household fires in America are started because of creosote. Sweeping the chimney is therefore not about spring cleaning or cosmetic effect. It is a matter of household safety and something that every fireplace owner should have done on a regular basis. Using a sweeping service is not an extra expense - it is an important part of household safety.

Another problem with creosote, and this is not so much concerned with the safety of the premises, is that it reduces the fire's ability to produce heat. If creosote is present in the outlet, it constricts the air supply to the fire. The fire generates less heat if it has less air, or oxygen, so it cannot use the fuel as efficiently as it should. The fuel then produces less heat than it is potentially able to.

If you are worried about the performance or cleanliness of your smoke outlet, you should get in touch with a sweep service in San Diego CA and request that they inspect it. They are trained to inspect not only the chimney but the entire heating feature, such as your fireplace, and they can advise you on possible remedial action or repairs. You might not have the expertise to do this yourself, but you should always remember how essential this is to your and your neighbors' safety.




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