vendredi 13 janvier 2017

DIY Tips On Chimney Cleaning And Maintenance

By Mary Bennett


Chimneys accumulate soot and creosote due to frequent burning. These substances are flammable and sticky, exposing the flute to flames in case a spark gets into the area. This calls from regular chimney cleaning. It is recommended that you hire a professional. However, the cost of hiring is prohibitive. There are simple tools that you could obtain from the hardware and use to get the work done within a short time, even during regular house cleaning.

The status of your flute will determine where it needs to be cleaned or not. With simple tools like a knife or pencil, you peel a little of the accumulated creosote at the base. Should it exceed 1/8 of an inch, you need to clean the area as fast as possible. The fall gives you a chance to clean the area before the season where most burning takes place. Leaving the soot and creosote hanging increases the chances of fire.

There is a possibility that animals could have camped there especially during the cold months. The most common visitors are squirrels, raccoons and birds. Ensure that none of these animals has found a home up your flute. By shining a flashlight, you will spot these animals. Remove them before commencing with cleaning.

There are appropriate tools to clean your flue. Measure its size especially the diameter. Using smaller equipment will either not clean it properly or will require you to work longer than necessary. Prepare protective cloths like goggles and masks. Ensure that the ladder can get to the top of your roof.

Protective gear like an apron and gloves helps you to avoid a lot of dust which keeps your ordinary cloths clean. The handle of your brush should also be very firm to allow you push it up and down as well as reach all corners. Should it bend, it will be difficult to control. When using a rope with a brush at the end, you need to tie a heavy weight at the bottom that will pull your brush downwards. If two people are clearing your flute section, they may tie a brush in the middle and pull alternately, one from the bottom and the other from the top. This will effectively clear the area.

The entrance also accumulates debris that needs to be removed. The dirt removed from your flute will also gather here. Scope it with a spade and clear the area, carrying off the dirt using a bucket. You may use a blower to deal with fine dust particles.

Since creosote and soot are flammable, the law prohibits their disposal in an ordinary pit. As such, dispose them appropriately. Check your chimney for cracks or deformities inside or outside. Any unwanted substance hanging on the inside or outside should also be cleared. This keeps it light, safe and secure.

Clear the area around the flute to ensure that trees or animal nests do not weigh the flute down. Trees may also introduce debris into the flute, and in the process block it. If the dirt or damage is too much, engage a professional chimney cleaner in San Diego, CA.




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