Keeping your chimney clean with regular sweeping is the key to preventing a devastating fire. According to statistics from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there is a chimney fire every 21 minutes in the U.S. While these fires are more common during the winter, they can happen at any time. For example, lightning strikes can be a greater threat than many realize. If a bolt of lightning strikes the chimney, the intense heat can ignite the creosote buildup, potentially leading to an explosion. That’s why fire safety experts recommend that homeowners with solid and fossil fuel appliances hire a professional chimney sweep to ensure their chimneys are clean.
What Is a CSIA-Certified Chimney Sweep®?
Hiring a CSIA-certified professional ensures that the technician coming to your home is a trained and qualified professional who adheres to the highest industry standards for safety, quality, and ethics. A CSIA-Certified Chimney Sweep is a professional who has undergone rigorous training and passed comprehensive examinations administered by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). This certification, which requires re-education every two years, signifies a deep understanding of chimney systems, combustion dynamics, fire codes, and best practices for providing homeowners with a safe, efficient, reliable service. When you see our technician with a CSIA badge, you can trust that your chimney will be thoroughly cleaned and inspected, reducing the risk of chimney fires and other hazards.
The Importance of Chimney Cleaning
Your chimney is designed to vent smoke and combustion byproducts out of your home, allowing you to enjoy the warmth of your hearth safely. However, a hidden danger known as creosote and other contaminants may accumulate inside the chimney flue. Creosote is a volatile organic compound that is naturally produced during the combustion of wood. It is highly flammable and builds up on the inside of your chimney flue each time you light a fire. As creosote accumulates, it not only diminishes the efficiency of your heating appliance but also can lead to a devastating chimney fire, which can spread to the rest of your home.
In addition to creosote, other hazards such as animal nests, debris, and structural issues can obstruct the vent. These hazards can lead to a dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide gas inside your home. Professional chimney sweeping removes these hazards, ensures proper ventilation, and significantly reduces the risk of fire.
When Should I Call a Chimney Sweep?
We typically recommend having your chimney inspected and cleaned at least once a year, even if you don’t use your fireplace or wood stove regularly. However, if you use your heating appliances daily or several times a week during the heating season, consider hiring a professional for a cleaning every 3 to 6 months. If you notice the following signs of trouble, call a professional chimney sweep immediately:
- An intense burning odor.
- Excessive smoke backing up into your home (back puffing).
- You see creosote buildup in the firebox, damper, or from the cleanout door.
- There are pieces of clay or mortar in the firebox.
- Water is dripping in the fireplace.
What Areas Does the Chimney Sweep Clean?
Our chimney sweep service includes a thorough sweeping of the flue and cleaning of critical components of your chimney system, including:
- Chimney Flue
- Chimney Damper
- Smoke Chamber
- Firebox
- Connector Pipes (wood stoves/furnaces)
In addition to sweeping the chimney, vents, and attached appliances, our Certified Chimney Sweep® will perform a visual inspection of the system to check for any health, safety, or structural hazards that could cause problems when burning your fireplace or wood stove.
Professional Chimney Sweep Services in Milwaukee – Waukesha Metro Area
At Smoke Stacks, we understand the importance of family and community and are proud to serve homeowners throughout the Metro MKE area, including Bay View, Menomonee Falls, Oak Creek, South Milwaukee, and surrounding southeast Wisconsin communities. We treat all of our customers like family, providing honest and reliable chimney sweeping and cleaning services at a reasonable price. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. Family Pride. Exceptional Results.
