We all live busy lives and have one hundred and one different things to worry about, so it is easy to pay little or no attention to your chimney. Reliable and faithful, most chimneys will keep working flawlessly for long periods of time, but that does not mean they do not require maintenance. Many people have no real idea when their chimney needs to be swept, or leave it until the situation becomes dangerous.
This comprehensive guide covers everything Portland homeowners need to know — from spotting the warning signs of a dirty chimney to understanding the benefits of professional cleaning and preparing your chimney for the cold season ahead.
Signs Your Chimney Needs Cleaning
Once you know what to look for, it is relatively easy to identify when your chimney needs to be swept. A dirty or blocked chimney will become much less effective over time, and could even become a fire hazard. Here are the key warning signs your chimney needs cleaning:
- Smoke Blowing Back into the Room — The most obvious symptom. While downdrafts can happen on especially cold days, if you are regularly smoking yourself out with your fires, you need to get your chimney checked immediately.
- Visible Signs of Tar or Creosote — If you notice black, sticky deposits of creosote visible to the eye, call a chimney sweep immediately. This kind of creosote is most likely to be responsible for chimney fires.
- Soot Dropping Down Your Fireplace — When the chimney is dirty and starting to become blocked, excess soot no longer sticks inside the chimney but instead falls back down into the fireplace. If you have a wood stove instead of a fireplace, listen carefully for this.
- A Poorly Burning Fire — A good fire requires heat, fuel, and oxygen. When a chimney needs cleaning, it becomes increasingly difficult to light a fire, and fires won’t burn well. This may be caused by insufficient oxygen flow from a dirty or blocked chimney.
- Signs or Sounds of Animals — Birds and small animals are attracted to chimneys for warmth and shelter. You may hear scratching or notice dropped twigs where birds are trying to nest. In the worst case, a large nest could block the entire flue, forcing dangerous gases like carbon monoxide back inside your home. This is one great reason to make sure you have a cap on your chimney.
The Benefits of Proper Chimney Cleaning
A study issued by the National Fire Prevention Association showed that solid-fueled heating equipment is the leading factor contributing to home heating fires, with chimneys accounting for nearly 30% of all home heating fires. The benefits of proper chimney cleaning greatly outweigh the costs.
It Ensures Safety
The most important benefit of chimney cleaning is ensuring you and your family’s safety. Chimney fires, harmful toxins, and smoke fumes are all results of neglected chimney cleaning. A routine chimney clean every year gives you the peace of mind to enjoy your fires safely.
It Lets Smoke Escape Properly
Creosote is a harmful substance that results from smoke residue on the inside of your chimney. Over time, it builds up into a sticky, black, flammable substance. The more you use your chimney, the more this builds up and becomes a serious fire hazard. Creosote can also clog the chimney flue and prevent carbon monoxide from escaping the home. Regular cleaning ensures smoke flows out properly.
It Heats Your Home Efficiently
When creosote builds up on your chimney walls, the circulation of cooler air weakens your fire’s efficiency — meaning more wood is needed and more fossil fuels are burned. A clean chimney results in peak efficiency and proper ventilation.
It Prevents Costly Repairs
The NFPA recommends fireplaces be inspected at least once a year. If you use yours as a main heating source, you may need cleaning a few times a year. Routine cleaning allows professionals to catch signs of structural damage early, saving you from expensive chimney fire cleanup or structural repairs.
How to Inspect Your Chimney
Before the cold season, take time to inspect your chimney thoroughly:
Check for Creosote Buildup
Shine a light into your chimney and look for black or brown buildup along the sides. Avoid putting your head near the chimney without eyewear and respiratory protection. If you find a significant buildup of this substance, contact a professional chimney cleaner.
Check for Damage
On the outside of the chimney, keep an eye out for cracked mortar and loose bricks. These can cause water penetration, which damages the flue liner. Make sure your chimney damper works properly — over time, heat causes the steel to bend, allowing cold air to sneak into your home.
Cap the Chimney
Use wire-mesh to cover the top of your chimney. This stops debris from getting in and keeps birds and squirrels out — both of which are common problems in Portland.
Clear Exterior Vents
Part of your chimney maintenance includes clearing the exterior vents of snow, leaves, or any other materials that may block ventilation.
Maintaining Your Fireplace
Once your chimney is inspected, turn your attention to the fireplace itself:
- Clean the firebox — Remove last season’s ashes and charcoal. Make sure the fireplace is clean before the first fire of the season.
- Protect walls and floors — Ensure walls close to the fireplace are free of all combustible materials.
- Inspect doors, seals, and gaskets — Make sure everything is in good working order. If anything is amiss, have it repaired immediately.
- Don’t overload your fireplace — Build your fire the right way and use a spark guard.
DIY vs. Professional Chimney Cleaning
While chimney cleaning on your own won’t cost much upfront, you may end up with more expenses if your chimney fails. If you’ve never cleaned your chimney before, you’re better off hiring a professional.
Professionals deal with all sorts of chimney issues on a regular basis. They’re capable of adapting to any situation and can spot subtle signs of trouble to help you avoid future problems. They also have the tools necessary for the job — you don’t have to worry about damaging your home or getting injured in the process.
Preparing for Portland’s Cold Season
Portland winters bring cold, wet conditions that make a working fireplace essential for many households. Between December 2016 and January 2017, Portland experienced five winter storms over a five-week period. A fireplace provides one of the best ways to stay warm when temperatures plummet — but without proper chimney cleaning, you put yourself and your property at risk.
The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends getting your chimney inspected annually. Don’t wait until the first cold snap to discover a problem.
Schedule Your Chimney Cleaning Today
If you have any questions or concerns about your chimney cleaning needs, contact us at our Portland, Vancouver, or Salem offices. We provide professional chimney inspections and cleaning to keep your family safe and warm all winter long. Get your free chimney cleaning estimate today!
