In temperate middle Tennessee, your fireplace and chimney are often only things that you think about during cool fall evenings or frosty winter nights. However, like any part of your home or business, they require regular care and maintenance. One part of this process is having regular chimney cleaning and sweeping for your Nashville chimney system. But what’s the difference between them, what does it do, and how does it protect you and your loved ones from harm?
The Importance of Regular Chimney Sweeps and Cleanings
Let’s start by looking at the difference between a chimney sweep and a chimney cleaning. Generally speaking, a chimney sweep uses a brush to remove loose material, such as tar, debris, and creosote, from your chimney. By comparison, if your chimney hasn’t been regularly swept, it may require a cleaning, which is a more in-depth process to remove burnt-in residues.
When the chimney is cleaned, hard brushes are used on its interior surface, called the flue, to remove any material that could lead to a chimney fire. This includes creosote, a byproduct of burning wood in your chimney, which is highly flammable and can lead to a chimney fire if it’s allowed to build up too much. Burning well-seasoned hardwood in your fireplace reduces the speed at which creosote builds up, but a yearly chimney sweep should whisk it away.
If creosote is left to build up in your chimney, it can cause issues with draft, preventing smoke from leaving the chimney and backing it up into your home. As mentioned previously, it’s also highly flammable. It builds up more quickly when you burn a cool fire, such as one from green wood, or when temperatures change quickly, such as when you burn softwoods. If it catches on fire, it can lead to a house fire, which is why this part of chimney maintenance is so important.
By taking the time to schedule regular chimney cleaning, sweeping or maintenance for your Nashville home, you can safely enjoy this part of your home or business for many years to come. If you need help getting on top of your chimney maintenance, the team at Allegiance Chimney Solutions can help. Give us a call today to see how we can help you!
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