Professional Chimney Services
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Welcome to Professional Chimney Services |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why does my chimney need to be swept (cleaned)?
A: To remove harmful particles and waste build-up in the chimney to help prevent chimney fires, odors and the release of carcinogens into the home.
Q: Why does my chimney need to be inspected?
A: The Chimney Safety Institute of America, the National Chimney Sweep Guild, and the National Fire and Protection Association and most fireplace manufacturer's recommend/require an annual inspection of a chimney for any deterioration, structural faults and the overall condition of a chimney.
Q: How often should my chimney be swept and inspected?
A: The Chimney Safety Institute of America, the National Chimney Sweep Guild, and the National Fire and Protection Association and most fireplace manufacturer's recommend/require an annual inspection and sweeping if necessary.
Q: Why does my fireplace smoke into the room?
A: Many factors my cause this problem, and a chimney inspection is required to possibly determine the cause. Don't assume chimney height is the cause. Many chimneys 20' tall still smoke.
Q: Why does my fireplace produce a smell?
A: Any chimney used for woodburning smells. The problem may be that the smell gets pulled into the house because of outlying problems away from the chimney. Rain entry, animals and a dirty chimney may sometimes increase odors.
Q: I have birds/animals in my chimney, can you remove them?
A: Most birds in chimneys are chimney swifts and are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act therefore they cannot be removed if still nesting. The potential fine is $15,000 per count. That means $15,000 per egg, active nest, etc. Nesting normally takes place from May thru July and can be nested for up to 8 weeks. Chimney cleaning and chimney cap installation is recommended following a nesting period to prevent future nesting. Most other animals such as squirrels, raccoons, etc. can be removed. We do not and will not harm any animals.
Q: What is a chimney fire?
A: During the course of woodburning, residual unburnt waste particles, called creosote builds up in the chimney. A heavy build-up of creosote is highly combustible, and if ignited can burn at tempertures up to 2500 degrees. This sudden occurence ignition is a chimney fire, which may only last for under one minute, but may cause thousands of dollars in damage.
Q: How do you clean a fireplace and chimney?
A: A chimney and fireplace are cleaned (swept) using special pre-sized brushes and tools.
Q: What type of wood should I burn in my fireplace?
A: The best wood to use in your fireplace is oak or hickory, seasoned (aged) at least 6 months. Wood should be stacked off the ground and covered to be protected from the rain.
Q: Will having my fireplace and chimney cleaned make a mess in my house?
A: No. During each sweeping, the area surrounding the fireplace is protected by a dust control system. All work areas/floors are covered and dust exposure is vitually non-existent.
Q: What is a Cerified Chimney Sweep?
A: A Certified Chimney Sweep is a chimney sweep who has taken a certification test through the Chimney Safety Institute of America, the only nationally recognized certification for chimney sweeps. This certification insures your sweep is current in technology, related to proper inspection requirements, codes, equipment, techniques and homeowner safety.