Colder climate regions require chimneys in homes to keep families warm, especially in the winter season. A wood-burning fireplace can provide ample heat and lighting in a home.
This fireplace type is more cost-efficient than gas fireplaces and is more environmentally friendly as it does not burn fossil fuel. Moreover, firewood is a sustainable renewable source that is regularly replenished as trees are planted in place of those which were cut down.
However, burning wood produces combustion by-products, including ash and creosote. While wood ash can be beneficial as a fertilizer because of its mineral content, the other byproduct, creosote, is a fire hazard.
It has been cited by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) as the main cause of most structural residential fires in the country. A company providing chimney repair in Suffolk County is required to fix structural damages caused by chimney fires in the locality.
Hiring a chimney sweep in Suffolk County, NY, can help residents thoroughly inspect and clean their chimneys to prevent untoward incidents. However, if homeowners are running on a tight budget, they can implement DIY methods to determine the thickness of creosote accumulation in the chimney and clean what they can.
Protective glasses, a mask, a flashlight, and a fireplace poker will suffice for this task. While wearing the proper protective equipment, the person should shine the light into the smoke chamber and flue and use the poker to scratch the surface.
If the layer of creosote is only paper-thin, cleaning is not needed. If it is 1/8 inches thick, DIY cleaning will suffice. Provided below is an infographic for chimney cleaning tips homeowners can do by themselves.
However, if the buildup is ¼ inches thick, the households must refrain from using the fireplace and have professional chimney sweeps clean the amenities.
Here are some DIY chimney cleaning tips homeowners can perform for minor maintenance measures to optimize its utility.
