While summer officially still has a few weeks left, fall is just around the corner. Fall is more than just a season of falling leaves, football, and pumpkins; it is also the busiest time of year for chimney sweeps.

This year, beat the fall rush by booking your chimney services before the busy season arrives. By having your chimney serviced now it will be clean and ready to use as soon as the first cold snap of fall hits.

How often should my chimney be swept?

According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America chimneys should be swept at least once per year. This recommendation is based on National Fire Protection Association Standard 211; this standard outlines the maintenance and inspection of fireplaces and chimneys and is the basis for all services offered by CSIA certified chimney sweeps. This standard is for all fuel burning fireplaces – including gas – and is not dependent on how often you use your fireplace. Whether you have a fire every day or only on special occasions, your chimney system still needs to be swept every year.

If your fireplace is used as a primary heating appliance or is otherwise regularly used it may need to be swept more often. Any time 1/8th of an inch of soot builds up in the flue, the chimney should be swept; this amount of buildup typically occurs after a full cord of wood has been burned. Having the chimney swept after burning this amount of fuel prevents the buildup of soot, ash, or hazardous creosote in the flue.

Creosote is a naturally occurring byproduct of fuel burning fires, but is most commonly produced in wood burning fires. Highly flammable by nature, creosote buildup in the flue is the leading cause of accidental chimney fire. By having creosote removed during an annual chimney sweeping, your fireplace is much safer to use.

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Why is chimney maintenance important?

Regular yearly chimney maintenance is an important part of keeping your fireplace burning safely and efficiently. Preventative maintenance such as chimney sweepings and chimney inspections can help extend the life of your entire fireplace system as well as prevent the costly repairs that accompany significant chimney deterioration.

Don’t delay – schedule your chimney services today!

Fall is the busiest time of year for chimney sweeps; after months of disuse over the summer, many fireplace systems are in need of cleanings, inspections, or repairs. By booking your chimney services now before the busy season arrives, you can take advantage of the shorter wait times and open appointment availability. Likewise, having your chimney swept and inspected now ensures that it is clean, safe, and ready to use as soon as the temperatures drop this fall.

Fall will be here before you know it; take advantage of the last few weeks of “low” season and schedule a convenient chimney appointment as soon as possible. To set up your next appointment for chimney services, contact the experts at New Buck Chimney Services today!