Chimney FAQs
Why do I need my chimney inspected?
The National Fire Protection Association, states that chimney’s should be inspected or cleaned annually. Chimneys; which typically vent fireplaces and or furnace and hot water heaters; can deteriorate over time. Annual inspections can alert you to a potential problem before it becomes a costly repair or a safety issue. You should look for chimney professionals and companies that are certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America.
How long does it take to sweep and inspect a chimney? Will it make a mess?
No… sweeping a chimney will not make a mess of your home. Clean drop clothes are used and a vacuum is used to control the soot and dust. Chimney Inspections take anywhere between 45minutes to an hour and a half. This will depend on the type of system we are inspecting, accessibility, and the height of the roof and chimney.
What is Creosote? And why is it dangerous?
When you burn wood or other fossil fuels, the goal is to burn them as completely as possible. But if airflow is not adequate, you starve the fire of an essential component of combustion, which leads to incomplete burning. As this incomplete combustion occurs, the smoke rises, cools, and condenses on the walls of your chimney. This product is called creosote. Creosote is a highly flammable byproduct and can seep out into the chimney cavity if flue tiles are not intact. If the creosote ignites, this can be dangerous as it can damage and split flue tiles, and even lead to a structure fire.
Are all Chimney Sweeps the same? Why Blaze Rite?
No. Just because someone says that they are a Chimney Sweep does not mean they are qualified. The chimney industry is not regulated by the government, but we do have professional industry standards that are certified by the CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) and the NCSG (National Chimney Safety Guild). When we are talking about such a critical area of service to help keep your family and home safe, it does not make sense to take chances. Blaze Rite techs are certified. And Blaze Rite the company fully insured. The chimney industry is plagued with “truck and ladder” type contractors with no knowledge of chimney code. They offer extremely low pricing deliver an inferior and unsafe quality of work.
