Signs That Your Chimney Needs a Cleaning

Signs That Your Chimney Needs a Cleaning

Relaxing by a cozy fire can be the perfect way to spend a chilly evening. If you use an indoor wood-burning fireplace regularly, you’ll have to keep up with routine service to prevent problems. Knowing when your chimney needs maintenance can help protect your home and family. Here are the signs that your chimney needs a cleaning.

Soot and Creosote Buildup

When wood is burning, it produces soot and creosote, a sticky substance that builds up on the inside of a chimney. As creosote builds up over time, it becomes hard and leaves oily marks inside the chimney, making the damper and flue turn black. Creosote is highly flammable and can ignite without warning. Regularly inspecting your fireplace and chimney can help identify significant signs that your chimney needs cleaning. 

Trouble Getting a Fire Going

Even if creosote doesn’t catch fire, it can cause other issues. A buildup of creosote can block the flue, depriving the fire of the oxygen it needs. If it’s hard to start a fire and keep it going, it may be due to a buildup of creosote. 

Smoke in the House

If you light a fire and the room fills with smoke, this is dangerous. One reason this happens is that the damper is closed, or perhaps the wood you’re burning is wet. However, if your wood is dry and your damper is open, this is another sign that indicates your chimney may be long overdue for a cleaning. 

Animals in the Chimney

Unusual sounds coming from inside your chimney can be from birds or rodents. Animals often seek shelter inside a warm chimney, but the sticky buildup traps them. If you have wildlife inside the chimney, you’ll need to remove the animals and clean the chimney so other critters don’t get trapped.

Protect Your Loved Ones With Regular Chimney Cleanings

Keeping your chimney clean and well-maintained can prevent a house fire. If you use your fireplace regularly during the winter, it is a good idea to have a chimney cleaning at least once a year. Cleaning a chimney is a dirty and arduous task. If you’re not up to doing it yourself, have a local professional clean the chimney and perform an inspection. An expert will be able to identify signs of a problem that you might miss and make any necessary repairs. 

Fall is a good time to have your chimney cleaned and inspected. A professional will be able to remove creosote, as well as any animal nests, before you begin to use the fireplace for the winter.