Certified Chimney Sweep

Your fireplace provides a warm and comforting environment. The spectacular flames are also exciting to watch. However, your chimney and fireplace can become a fire hazard with little warning. The leading cause of thousands of house fires yearly is a failure to clean the flue vent properly and in a timely manner.

The best way to ensure your fireplace and chimney are safe is to schedule the certified chimney sweeps at Felgemacher Masonry & Chimney of Rochester to inspect and clean your chimney annually. We serve customers throughout Monroe County, the Greater Rochester Area, and surrounding communities.

Why You Need to Hire a Professional Chimney Sweep

Nothing is more natural than the fresh scent of wood burning in the fireplace. However, during combustion and as the wood burns, oils in the wood distills into a compound known as creosote. The mostly carbon compound adheres to the flue and other interior components as the smoke and fumes expel up the stack. Creosote becomes more volatile the longer it remains in the chimney, turning into a dark, oily, tarry, and crusty substance that is extremely difficult to remove. Creosote is highly flammable; a spark or intense heat can ignite it, causing a chimney fire that spreads to combustible areas like the attic, walls, and ceiling.

So How Much Creosote Is Too Much?

The Chimney Safety Institute of America advises that any accumulation of creosote exceeding 1/8 inch is hazardous and requires removal. Besides fire prevention, there are several reasons to hire a professional chimney sweep. These include clearing flue obstructions, removing animal nests to ensure unimpeded airflow, and enhancing the heating efficiency of your fireplace. Additionally, your homeowner's association or insurance policy may mandate regular chimney maintenance.

Minimizing Creosote Buildup in the Chimney

Since creosote is a natural combustion process, it can't be eliminated. However, there are things you can do to minimize its accumulation:

• Only burn wood that has been “seasoned” or dried for at least six months.
• Ensure your damper is functioning wholly and correctly open before lighting the fireplace.
• Don’t use accelerants to light a fire.
• Never toss a Christmas tree in the fireplace.
• Sweep the fireplace between professional cleaning visits.

Certified Chimney Sweep in Rochester, NY

When it is time for your annual chimney sweep, inspection or have if you any questions about our expert services, please give us a call at 585-308-4914 or you can fill out our online contact form.

We are ready to help and happy to assist you with all of your chimney needs!

Felgemacher Masonry & Chimney is Rochester's best source for chimney inspections, cleanings, and repairs!  Proudly serving the Greater Rochester area, including Hilton NY, Pittsford NY, Ridgemont NY, Westgate NY,  West Henrietta NY, Rush NY, Honeoye Falls NY, Greece NY, Fishers NY, Victor NY, Genesee Junction NY, Fairport NY, Webster NY, Irondequoit NY, Spencerport NY, Penfield NY.