Fireplace installation in a new or older home adds warmth and character to your living spaces. During the colder seasons, when you're more likely to light fires at night, maintaining your fireplace and chimney is essential. If you haven't scheduled a chimney cleaning recently, the following points can help you prepare. 

A Brief Guide to Chimney Cleaning

What signs indicate you need a chimney sweep?

Generally, chimneys should be swept once a year or after 50–60 logs have been burned in the fireplace. Beyond this routine maintenance, cleaning is recommended if you notice smoke moving into your living room instead of traveling up the chimney, foul odors coming from the fireplace, soot falling from the chimney regularly, or difficulty lighting and maintaining fires. 

What does chimney cleaning entail?

A thorough chimney cleaning takes roughly an hour. During the task, your contractor will survey and prepare the area by laying down a drop cloth or tarp to protect furniture near the fireplace. Next, long brushes with sturdy bristles will be used to scrub away soot and debris inside the chimney. The chimney's exterior will also be inspected to ensure it's clean and functioning properly.

Why hire a professional fireplace contractor for the job?

A trained expert has the tools and experience to navigate your roof with ease, ensuring safety and reducing the risk of injury while completing the task. By hiring a professional to perform chimney cleaning, you'll protect your home against fire and smoke damage. Plus, your contractor will also perform an inspection of your fireplace and chimney, identifying and repairing problem areas before they become expensive and hazardous.

How can you prepare for a cleaning appointment?

For safety, refrain from using your fireplace for at least a day or two before your cleaner arrives, so it's cool to the touch. Moving valuables or fragile decor away from the fireplace ensures they aren't soiled by soot and debris. Pets and children should be secured so they aren't near the fireplace or outside while your contractor is on the roof working.

Keep your home and family safe with routine chimney cleaning from Hildebrandt Fireplace. With over two decades of experience serving customers across Oshkosh, WI, and within a 60-mile radius, you can depend on this dedicated company for quality service at fair prices. Visit the website for a complete list of services, or call (920) 267-2614 to schedule an appointment.