Most homeowners will only know a sweep is needed by having the system examined by a qualified, professional chimney sweep.
When does a chimney need cleaning?
London Aire and other nationally recognized experts recommend that open masonry fireplaces are cleaned at 1/8″ of sooty buildup, and sooner if there is any glaze present in the system. Factory-built fireplaces should be cleaned when any appreciable buildup occurs.
That much fuel buildup is enough to cause a chimney fire capable of damaging the chimney or spreading to the home.
It is not only about wood fires
Many homeowners think their chimney only needs cleaning and inspection if they burn wood in a fireplace or wood stove. But almost all heating appliances — whether they burn gas, oil, wood, or coal — rely on the chimney to safely carry toxic gases produced by the heating system out of the house.
Chimney cleaning is a vital service to protect the health and safety of your family and home. All chimneys, including the chimney for your furnace, should be inspected annually with cleaning performed as needed.
Dryer duct cleaning
We also clean dryer ducts, which build up lint over time and are a common and underestimated cause of house fires. Ask about combining it with a chimney visit.