In the winter, gas and wood-burning fireplaces provide a picturesque way to stay warm and cozy, but they do require periodic maintenance to safeguard their efficiency and safety. Read more to learn why you should hire a chimney cleaning in Montclair, what to expect, and more about why a chimney sweep should be part of your fireplace maintenance plan.
Why Should I Hire a Chimney Sweep?
The services of a chimney sweep not only protect you and your family from avoidable dangers, but they also help you save money.
When your chimney is clean and properly vented, it will effortlessly carry carbon monoxide and other harmful byproducts of burning fuels, including gas and wood, up and out of your home. If it is not, the process falters. When chimneys are not properly vented, they fail. In most cases, carbon monoxide problems occur because of improper exhausting, which can be prevented with regular chimney sweep inspections and cleanings.
Approximately 20,000 chimney fires occur in the United States every year, according to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). It is common for a dirty chimney to develop creosote, which is highly combustible when burned as fuel, including unseasoned wood. This increases the likelihood of fires, resulting in injuries or even deaths. As an added bonus, you can significantly reduce your energy bill by getting rid of soot. A single inch of soot can reduce heat transfer efficiency by up to 50%.
How Often Do I Need to Hire a Chimney Sweeper?
A chimney, fireplace, vent, and solid fuel-burning appliance (such as a pellet or wood stove) should be inspected at least once a year, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). You may wish to arrange more frequent inspection and cleaning of your fireplace if you use it several times a week, especially on the coldest winter nights.
The CSIA recommends scheduling an appointment right away if you see creosote glaze in your chimney. Creosote glaze looks like thick, inky cake icing.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Chimney Sweep Service?
Chimney cleaning is a tough, messy job that many homeowners leave to the professionals. Here are some reasons to hire a professional to do this job for you:
- The service is fast and clean.
- Evaluation and identification of potential weak spots in the chimney liner (if used) or chimney itself.
- Debris and blockage removal.
- Chimney sweeps can repair or replace chimney caps, chimney liners, and some can even repair masonry if necessary. (Some states require certification and approval before they perform masonry repairs.).
A brush and drop cloth can make cleaning your chimney easier and less messy if you decide to do it yourself.
What Does a Chimney Sweep Do?
You can expect the chimney sweep to perform a minimum assessment and cleaning of your chimney and fireplace within an hour or two, depending on where you live and the condition of your chimney.
A chimney sweep may begin inside, on the roof, or both, and may or may not use a camera for the inspection and cleaning. They will take proactive measures to minimize mess, both inside and outside, and to clean up any debris before leaving. They will remove buildup on the chimney walls and blockages in the chimney.
The visit may last a few hours if your chimney needs a more thorough clean or chemical treatment for creosote glaze. It is possible for the chimney sweep to complete minor repairs on the same day, based on the sweep’s policies and the tools on hand, such as replacing a missing chimney cap or a damaged chimney liner.
Ask for a list of all suggested repairs, along with a description of why these repairs are necessary. You can then ask for recommendations for professionals who can complete any work that is beyond the chimney sweep’s expertise.
How Much Does a Chimney Sweep Cost?
You can expect to pay $75 to $250 for a chimney cleaning in Montclair, which includes a general inspection and cleaning. If your chimney hasn’t been serviced for a while, or if the sweep finds structural problems, repairs, or pest infestations that need to be handled, that number increases.
Poorly maintained chimneys or ones in need of extensive restoration may cost upward of $1,000.
Is there a Chimney Sweep near me?
It is possible to access searchable databases through the National Fireplace Institute and Chimney Safety Institute of America. Personal recommendations and paywall sites such as Angie’s List can also be useful.
Consider asking questions like:
Do they have certification? If so, who certified them?
Are their estimates free? If not, how much do they charge? Is this fee deducted from your final bill?
How will a visit go?
What are their methods for minimizing debris spills?
After the job is completed, how do they clean up?
Can they provide any additional services?
For the right match for your home and chimney, interview several prospective chimney sweeps.
Chimney Cleaning Montclair
No matter what type of fireplace, stove, or insert you have, our certified technicians will help you get it inspected and cleaned as quickly as possible. During the sweep, we will ensure that your system is in good working order. You can count on us to handle all of your New Jersey chimney repair and cleaning needs. We are licensed and insured, and we have been serving customers in the industry for years. Get a free quote for chimney cleaning in Montclair or speak with one of our experts at (973) 922-0195.
