Has it been more than a year since your Lewiston, NY, chimney was swept and cleaned? Have you been experiencing sluggish drafting and smoke backups? Do you suspect you may have had a small chimney fire?
These are all good reasons to call Felgemacher for a complete chimney sweep and inspection. We’ve provided chimney sweep services throughout Lewiston, NY, and Niagara County, NY, since 1953. Here’s why this work is so important.
Flammable Creosote
The smoke from wood-burning fireplaces causes a substance known as creosote to form inside the chimney flue. A byproduct of smoke condensation, creosote is highly flammable and is the cause of most reported chimney fires each year in Lewiston, NY, and surrounding areas.
Debris Accumulation
If your chimney doesn’t have a chimney cap or flue cover, or if the one you have is severely damaged, all types of debris can get into your chimney flue. Leaves, twigs, small animal nests and the occasional dead animal can all cause the fireplace to draft inefficiently and send smoke and dangerous carbon monoxide into your Lewiston, NY, home.
Professional chimney sweeping is the only way to safely remove creosote and debris from a chimney flue.
How Chimney Sweeping Works
Our certified chimney sweep process involves a variety of specialized tools to clean out the inside of your chimney flue. Chimney sweeping brushes, rotating scrubbers, rods, solvents and commercial vacuums are the “tools of the trade” of the modern-day chimney sweep.
When we sweep your chimney, we take extra care to keep the work area clean and neat. We cover items near the fireplace and make sure not to track dust or soot throughout your home.
Chimney Fires Are More Common Than You Might Think
Not all chimney fires are obvious. Many of them start and go out on their own before anyone in the home notices them. But that doesn’t mean they don’t cause damage.
It’s been shown that as little as 1/8 of an inch of creosote is enough to ignite into flames. A large chimney fire or several small ones can lead to:
- Breaks and cracks in the chimney liner
- A fire in nearby materials of the home
- Impaired drafting caused by jagged liner surfaces
- Chimney structural damage
Spotting a Chimney Fire at Your Lewiston NY Home
Watch for these three signs:
- A rumbling sound like that made by a train
- Strange clicking or tapping noises
- Large amounts of dense smoke coming from either end of the chimney
If you notice any of these signs, call 911 and evacuate the house. Do not use your chimney again until it has been properly inspected.
Lewiston NY Chimney Inspections
Felgemacher offers basic and emergency chimney inspections in Lewiston, NY, and across Niagara County, NY. After a fire, an inspection is crucial to determine exactly what has been affected by the event. Basic annual chimney inspections are important to spot early signs of problems so they can be resolved quickly.
Chimney Sweeping Once a Year
Every fire-safety organization and experienced chimney company throughout the U.S. recommends that chimney sweeping be performed once a year. Coupled with a chimney inspection, it’s the best way to keep your chimney running at peak safety and efficiency all year long.
If it’s been more than a year since your Lewiston, NY, chimney was cleaned, call Felgemacher today and schedule chimney sweeping service. You can reach us by phone or through our contact form.
