Getting the chimney swept and cleaned up on a regular basis is not something that is a priority for most of us. Yet, the fact remains that leaving a chimney unclean is quite hazardous. In a chimney that hasn’t been swept, creosote builds up and emits deadly gases that can cause death. Moreover, the build-up can clog the chimney, leading to structural fires.
However, it isn’t just the deadly consequences of not having your chimney cleaned that you need to keep in mind. The fact is that having your chimney cleaned on a regular basis ensures that the flue system lasts longer and works more efficiently. Considering all these factors, it becomes very important that you have the chimney cleaned at least once a year. If you use the fireplace frequently, it may be advisable for you to have the chimney cleaned two or three times a year.
If you are in Baltimore and you go looking for a Chimney sweep or in Maryland, Virginia, etc., don’t just hire the first one that you find. Thanks to the high demand for such services, there are plenty of operators in the region. Unfortunately, not all of them can be relied upon. As such, here are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind when hiring a chimney sweep service.
Certifications – Don’t just take the word of the service in regard to their competence. Check for their qualifications. Although there are no regulations that govern chimney sweep services, there are chimney sweep associations that provide certifications. Some of these associations are CSIA (Certified Chimney Sweep®).
Experience – Just like you would for any other service, consider experience when it comes to hiring a chimney sweep service. Find out how long the service has been operating and what types of chimneys they have experience with. In our case Lalondechimney & home solutions have 30 years of experience, The chimney sweep you hire should be confident and knowledgeable when answering your questions and we provide that – traits that come not just from good training, but from plenty of experience in the field. If you aren’t sure about the service, ask us to put you in touch with previous customers, or go to our website/ social media (facebook, instagram or twitter) and check out our recommendations there check our reviews on Google.
