Do you remember the last time your chimney was cleaned and swept? If it’s been more than a year, now is a good time to consider scheduling this service.
Dubuque Fireplace & Patio serves all of Cascade, IA, and neighboring cities and towns with professional chimney sweeping that leaves your chimney cleaner, safer, and more efficient.
Why Have Your Chimney Swept?
The National Fire Protection Association, as well as virtually every other fire safety agency in the U.S., recommends that active chimneys be inspected and cleaned annually. There are two primary reasons for this.
1. To Remove Creosote
If you use a wood-burning fireplace, some of the smoke that rises into the chimney turns into creosote. Highly flammable and volatile, creosote can be puffy, sticky, flaky, or solid. Tests show that as little as 1/8 of an inch of creosote buildup can ignite and start a chimney fire.
Chimney sweeping significantly reduces creosote levels in your chimney flue.
2. To Remove Flue Obstructions
Another important reason for annual chimney sweeping is to remove flue obstructions that can narrow the passage and impede drafting. When the draft is sluggish, you may experience smoke and deadly carbon monoxide backing up into your home.
Common flue obstructions include leaves, twigs, small animal nests, and excess creosote buildup. Chimney sweeping will remove the debris and creosote. A proper chimney cap prevents debris from the outside from entering your chimney.
Who Should You Hire to Clean Your Chimney?
Only a licensed and experienced chimney technician should ever be allowed to work on or clean your chimney. Professional chimney sweeps have the training and specialized tools needed to remove creosote and draft obstructions safely.
Our chimney cleaning technicians have earned the industry’s ‘gold standard’ certification from the National Fireplace Institute (NFI). All our field employees engage in ongoing training that makes them the very best at what they do.
Cascade IA Chimney Inspections
We recommend that you have your chimney inspected at the same time it’s being cleaned. A basic chimney inspection covers all readily accessible areas of your chimney and fireplace system. We’ll take a close look at the flue to assess its condition and the amount of creosote and obstructive debris.
Even if you aren’t aware of any problems with your chimney, an inspection is a smart move that will detect early signs of damage and malfunction you may have missed. Chimney sweeping and chimney inspection go hand in hand, so schedule them together once a year.
If Damage Is Discovered
Should the inspection reveal issues that need repair, our field crew has the parts, tools, and hands-on experience to fix them.
- Warped or loose chimney cap or chase cover
- Cracked or flaking (spalling) bricks
- Deteriorated mortar that’s holding the bricks together
- Flue liner damage; incorrect sizing and clearance
- Rusted, warped, or missing flashing
- Rusted or broken fireplace damper
When We’re Finished
The most important service we provide is peace of mind. When we’re finished cleaning, inspecting, and repairing your chimney, you’ll know that all these jobs were done by professionals and according to the highest standards. You’ll know your chimney and fireplace system is in the best possible condition, providing you with comfort, enjoyment, and hassle-free operation.
Call for Cascade IA Chimney Sweeping
If it’s time to clean your chimney, it’s time to call Dubuque Fireplace & Patio. Learn more by speaking with one of our chimney experts by phone, or get in touch through our contact form. We serve all of Dubuque County, IA, and Jones County, IA.
