Mid-Valley Chimney Repair & Sweep LLC Offers Chimney Sweepings to Montgomery Homeowners

• The first stage is the lowest level of concern and a chimney sweep can remove it relatively easily.
• The second stage may require a chimney sweep to use specialized tools such as an electric rotary chimney brush because the creosote is thicker and stickier.
• The final stage of creosote is the most complex, being hardened and glossy, and will require intensive treatment.

But sweepings aren’t all there is to the job. Qualified full-service chimney techs – like us – can also inspect, repair, and offer installation assistance (whether you’re adding a component to your current system or adding a new appliance altogether).

Just remember – the chimney industry isn’t regulated so sweeps don’t require any specialized training or education. Yep, that means anyone can slap a decal on a van and call themselves a chimney sweep. However, we value knowledge and expertise at Mid-Valley Chimney. All of our technicians are certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and take pride in holding industry memberships and awards.

How Important Is a Chimney Sweeping?

The big reason why chimney sweepings are so imperative is to avoid chimney fires. Now, most fireplace owners know that chimney fires are a thing (and that they can happen if you don’t use your appliance responsibly), but until one actually occurs, many don’t actually take the time to learn about just how damaging these events can be – or how they can avoid them.

Chimney fires are a real risk fireplace owners face, which is why we do everything possible to help people in Montgomery, Fairwind Acres, Raiders Run, Blue Ash, Kenwood Knolls, Kenwood, Glenwood, Jones Farm, Remington, Kenridge, Allandale, Cincinnati, Loveland, Mason, and more avoid them by completing thorough sweepings and chimney cleanings. This ensures any flammable materials in them are removed, leaving a clear passage for all your fires’ heat and smoke.

In addition to chimney fires, chimney debris in your flue can also cause blockages, which affect airflow and efficiency, as well as increase the risk of smoke and other harmful fumes entering your household.

Is There a Difference Between Chimney Cleaning and Sweeping?

There isn’t a notable difference between chimney cleaning and chimney sweeping. Chimney sweeping is a term mostly used by professionals in the chimney industry, while chimney cleaning is often the go-to for homeowners. 

Why do experts use “sweepings” as the preferred term?

Why is “sweeping” the term industry experts go to? Because to get a soot-filled chimney totally clean, like you might a tile floor or bathtub, simply isn’t the reality. Rather, we sweep out debris that could be harmful or put your system at risk. But a bit of dirt and grime on the walls? That won’t hinder your system’s ability to function safely and efficiently.

All that said, while “sweeping” may be the proper technical term, we completely understand you when you say “cleaning.”

How Often Do I Need To Schedule Sweepings?

The CSIA and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommend that fireplaces and chimneys be inspected and cleaned at least once a year. 

That said, if you use your fireplace more often or have a history of chimney damage, bi-annual inspections might be a better plan for you. Sweepings and inspections are intended to catch and take care of issues in their earliest stages. A normal maintenance plan can save you money on repair, replacement, and rebuild jobs over time.

Why Can’t I Do a Chimney Sweeping Myself?

If you have prior experience in chimney sweeping or inspections, you can attempt to clean your chimney on your own. That said, this tends to lead to more damage or missed spots that mean your system will still be at risk every time you go to use it.

Chimneys can be dangerous on several levels, meaning the buildup or damage isn’t always obvious. And if a chimney isn’t cleaned completely, you could be at risk for a chimney fire and/or carbon monoxide poisoning. As someone who isn’t trained, you may not know what to look for or how to identify potential problem areas. 

A CSIA-certified sweep knows exactly what to look for and where, and they also have access to the correct tools to get the job done right.

Your Chimney Fire Questions Answered

We’ve got the info you need to stay safer for the long haul. Read up on common chimney fire-related questions below, then reach out to our Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)-certified crew with any other inquiries you have.

Is creosote the biggest cause of chimney fires?

Yes. Creosote is highly flammable (being made from byproducts of your fires), and the more you have of it, the more likely it is to ignite and spread flames throughout your entire system. That said, other types of blockages caused by flammable things like nesting materials, built up leaves, piles of twigs, lawn clippings, and more can cause a chimney fire to form, too.

What damages does a chimney fire cause?

A chimney fire can trigger all kinds of decay and deterioration. The most common issues we see are:

• Damaged Liners: Your chimney liner is bound to suffer significant damage after a chimney fire has occurred. And once it’s compromised, you won’t be able to light fires without the risk of smoke, carbon monoxide, and flames entering your household.
• Warped Metal: The metal components of your system (like the damper, chimney cap, flashing, etc.) are sure to break down under the intense heat of a chimney fire. They’ll likely warp and become damaged, leaving them incapable of doing their job effectively.
• Cracked Masonry: When your bricks and mortar are exposed directly to flames, the end result won’t be good. The materials in your firebox are built to withstand those high temps, but the materials of your chimney are not. They’ll break down quickly, leaving the rest of your system more vulnerable in the process.

How hot do chimney fires get?

Chimney fires can ignite at around 451 degrees F, and they can burn up to 2000 degrees F which, as you can imagine, would take a great toll on your chimney system as a whole.

Will I know if I’ve had a chimney fire?

Not always. An event like this probably seems like it would be big, loud, and impossible to miss, but the majority of chimney fires actually occur slowly and quietly. It’s not uncommon for homeowners to experience one and have no idea! As you can imagine, this could potentially create some big hazards, and it is yet another great reason to make sure you’re investing in those annual inspections.

And if you’re aware that a chimney fire is currently occurring, don’t assume it’ll go out on its own! Call 911 and get you and your loved ones out of the home immediately.

Ready To Get in Touch With Our Crew?

Eager to avoid a chimney fire? If you live on Cornell Road, Hopewell Road, Fourwinds Drive, Gentlewind Drive, Woodfern Way, Pfeiffer Road, Southwind Drive, Forestglen Drive, Jolain Drive, Zig Zag Road, Shelldale Way, Thumbelina Lane, Adventure Lane, Cinderella Drive, Grandstone Lane, Weller Road, Arcturus Drive, Weil Road, Tanagerwoods Drive, Todd Drive, Ross Avenue, Cooper Road, or anywhere else in the area, call us in to perform you next chimney sweeping soon.

We’re happy to serve customers all throughout Montgomery Heights, Barwyn Acres, Rossmoyne, Foxhunter Lane, Holiday Acres, Dillionvale, Miami Grove, and more. If you need care, don’t hesitate to call 513-727-0994 or reach out to us online today.

 

Cozying up in front of your fireplace in Oxford is always safer and more enjoyable once we have inspected and serviced your chimney system.  Isn’t it great being part of our extensive service area?