Friday, June 21, 2013

When Hiring A Chimney Sweep San Diego Regulations Need To Be Considered

By Alyssa McCall


Few things can render a home as cozy and as snug as a fire in a fireplace. However, fire always poses a real threat and it is very important to maintain the fireplace and the flute on a regular basis. Soot and creosote can build up inside the flute over time and this not only makes the fireplace less efficient, but it can also pose a fire threat. For the services of a good chimney sweep San Diego contractors are tops.

The biggest cause of fires inside a flute is the creosote. Yet property owners can minimize this buildup by making sure the flute is the correct size. If it is too big the buildup will be much more pronounced. The solution is to simply have a smaller flute installed. Creosote also build up quickly when the fires are too big and especially if they are oxygen starved. It is better to have smaller fires and to make sure there is adequate oxygen available to the fire.

The most popular method of cleaning is still the use of a stiff brush and a flexible rod that can be extended. First the fireplace is sealed and the cleaner then needs to get up on the roof. Starting with a short rod, the flute is cleaned from the top down. More sections are added to the rod as the cleaning area becomes further down.

Sometimes it is not possible to get on the roof and then the flute has to be cleaned from the bottom. Because the fireplace cannot be sealed the mess can be awful. Soot and dirt will be tumbling down the flute. Furniture will need to be moved away, carpets need to be covered and drapes need to be removed temporarily.

Safety should be the highest priority when embarking on this type of job. Care should be taken that the roof is safe, that ladders are sturdy and that protective wear is used at all time. There is a real danger to the lungs and eyes of cleaners and they need to wear gloves, goggles and masks all the time. A full overall is also recommended.

Many householders prefer to leave this messy job to contractors. It is advisable to make sure that the contractor is experienced, that he adheres to safety practices and that he is properly registered. Inexperienced cleaners can cause a lot of damage and leave the area filthy. It is always a good idea to ask for references and to follow them up too.

It is not wise to only have the flute cleaned when it starts to perform poorly or once damage becomes visible. It should be inspected on a regular basis by a professional and cleaning should be scheduled at least twice a year, regardless of how often the fireplace or stove is used.

For those in need of a dedicated chimney sweep San Diego residents are lucky to be able to pick and choose between several reputable contractors. The importance of regular maintenance simply cannot be overemphasized. By using professionals the risk of fires can be minimized and the fireplace or stove can be kept at maximum efficiency at all times.




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