Chimney Cleaning

Chimney Cleaning

Are you in need of a chimney cleaning? A poorly cleaned chimney can raise your heating costs as well as become a fire hazard.
 

Rockford Chimney Cleaners

Without regular cleaning, creosote can build up. Creosote is a highly flammable residue that can be one of your chimney’s worst enemies. When you burn wood, tiny unburned pieces fly up the chimney with the smoke. Once those pieces hit the cold surface of the chimney, they begin to coat and solidify. After some time, this layer of Creosote will become a fuel source and any rising flames or sparks may ignite the coating leading to a house fire. As we enter into the colder months of the year, keep your house safe and have ease of mind by having your chimney properly cleaned.
 

Chimney Cleaners in Rockford, IL

If you live in the Midwest and have a fireplace, chance are that you use it a lot in the wintertime.  Not only does it set a nice ambiance in your home but it helps keep your heat bill a little lower.  If you use your fireplace a lot, you'll need to have your chimney cleaned at least once a year to ensure it's safety for you and your home.  Not sure if you're chimney is in need of cleaning?  Below are a few signs that you need to hire a chimney sweep.

Poorly Burning Fires
If you noticed that it's hard to start a fire in your fireplace or keep it burning for several hours, there's an issue with your chimney shaft that's preventing proper air flow.  In order to maintain a fire, you must have good airflow from the base through the chimney.  Too much air can extinguish a fire while not enough will keep it from burning correctly.  

Strong Smell or Odor
Your home should have a wonderful odor when burning wood in your fireplace, however, if you notice an unpleasant odor then there's an issue.  Typically if there's an unpleasant odor, there's a problem with the chimney's shaft and the updraft system not working properly.  These strong odors from the poor updraft can alert you that other odorless glasses are inside your home, like carbon monoxide.  These can undoubtedly lead to respiratory distress and sometimes even death.

Greasy Black Soot or Creosote
Something you should check for is grease or creosote and your chimney and fireplace.  One way to look for that is to reach inside your fireplace and touch the walls and feel for greasy black soot or creosote substance.  While the grease may seem harmless, its actually quite dangerous.  If you allow it to build up and turn into creosote it can lead to internal chimney fires that will burn through the walls and into a room.  Not to mention that creosote also contains chemicals that are not safe to breathe, you should have the grease removed immediately.

Buildup of Smoke While Burning Wood
If you notice that the burning fire in your fireplace is causing a buildup of smoke inside your home, there's most likely a blockage in the chimney shaft.  There are a number of things that can create a blockage inside your chimney like leaves and branches from trees around your chimney.  Not to mention, buildups of grease in the interior of your chimney can eventually collect the debris from the burning wood and also blockage causing the buildup of smoke.

Damper in Bad Condition
Take a look at your chimney's damper, if it's difficult to open and close then there's an issue.  It's important that your damper is working properly because it regulates the flow of air into a fireplace and chimney.  A damaged damper will need to be repaired as quickly as possible to prevent any other problems.

Animals or Birds
Do you hear fluttering or scurrying noise inside the walls near a home’s chimney?  Get your chimney cleaned right away, these sounds typically mean you have some furry friends trying to seek shelter in your chimney.  Raccoons, squirrels, and other small animals will enter a home through it's chimney and live inside it's structure.  Birds will also build nests inside a chimney that will create blockages from grass, straw, and anything they can find.  Get professionals out right away to take care of these issues that can cause further damage if untreated.

Chimney Sweep Rockford IL

The frequency for a chimney inspection is dependent upon the amount you burn. Contact our professionals for a free inspection!

TCB Masonry
5 TCB Masonry I called for a quote & Otto answered, he came out the next day and I got a quote. He suggested I get three estimates and I did and was so surprised what other companies are out there to rip you off!! Otto and his wife were very professional, his workers did an excellent job and were very nice, everything was cleaned up & my new chimney looked awesome! I can''t say enough about how well I was treated by TCB Masonry from the initial phone call to the follow up call from Otto. If your looking for quality masonry work at a good price, do yourself a favor and call them! Linda Martin
TCB Masonry 5 5 1