The leaves are falling from the trees in Georgia and the temperatures are dropping, and you are reminded that you need to get your fireplace cleaned and inspected before you start using it. Chimney sweeps in Atlanta aren’t just characters in the Mary Poppins film; they are actually professionals who can get your fireplace and chimney system in spit-spot shape. Creosote is deposited on the interior walls of a chimney in the process of burning wood and is very flammable, which is why your chimney needs to be cleaned regularly and inspected.
The National Fire Protection Association recommends that you have all the elements of your chimney system cleaned and inspected at least once a year. When we perform a chimney service, the fireplace, flue, damper, smoke shelf, smoke chamber, chimney cap, and firebox will be cleaned and inspected. If you have problems with rain, birds, and small animals getting into your chimney, the cap can be fitted with wire-mesh on the sides to help with these issues.
If any broken bricks or cracks in the chimney are found, our professionals at Atlanta Chimney Doctor repair them. Gas fireplace logs, as they age, can create dust particles that might start interfering with the gas getting to the flame. During the cold fall and winter months, if you notice changes in how your fireplace or stove is working, getting a professional to come in and determine what has caused the changes is a good idea for safety reasons.
A professional can light a small fire in the stove or fireplace or turn on the gas logs to do a smoke test, which ensures that the smoke is going where it needs to go without any blocks or clogs. Any ashes or soot that resulted from the cleaning will be removed, leaving a clean firebox ready for your next fire.
10/20/14