Professional Chimney Sweep in Oceanside CA
Homeowners in Oceanside CA count on Chimney Sweeps Inc. to keep their chimneys clean and safe. Chimney sweeping dates back hundreds of years to jolly olde England. Back then, it was a service. Today, it’s more of an art. Here’s how we can help you.
Why Is Chimney Sweeping Necessary?
There are two primary reasons that virtually every fire safety and hearth organization in the U.S. recommends annual professional chimney sweeping:
- To remove built-up creosote from the chimney flue
- To remove debris that can cause drafting obstructions in the flue
Let’s look briefly at each reason.
Creosote & Chimney Fires
Creosote is a substance that forms when smoke condenses in the flue during a fireplace fire.
Over time, the buildup can be significant, but even as little as 1/8 of an inch of creosote can be dangerous. Volatile and highly flammable, creosote is responsible for the majority of chimney fires reported each year in Oceanside and the rest of the U.S. These fires are sometimes small and extinguish on their own before they’re noticed. Other times, chimney fires spread to adjacent parts of the home and can be devastating.
Chimney Fire Signs
You’ll know if there’s a major fire in your chimney. But even smaller fires can seriously damage the chimney liner, the chimney structure and home building materials.
Common signs of a chimney fire include:
- Tapping or clicking noises
- A rumbling sound, like from a distant train
- Large amounts of dense smoke exiting either end of the chimney
Should you encounter any of these signs, call 911 and get out of the house.
Flue Obstructions
Our Oceanside chimney sweeps clean a lot of debris out of our customers’ chimneys. When a chimney doesn’t have a chimney cap or flue cover, the flue is open to intrusion from the outside. What kind of debris can enter a chimney?
- Leaves
- Twigs
- Falling fruit
- The nests of small animals
- Bodies of dead animals (birds, squirrels, rodents, etc.)
Carbon Monoxide
When debris narrows a flue passage, smoke can’t draft efficiently. Your chimney flue, assuming it was built correctly, is specifically sized to draft your type of fireplace. When the flue narrows, drafting becomes sluggish.
Smoke backing up into the home is a serious concern with obstructed flues. An even greater concern is carbon monoxide, which is present in smoke but is invisible and odorless.
It is widely known that inhaling carbon monoxide can cause severe upper respiratory symptoms, headaches, lethargy and confusion. In extreme cases, carbon monoxide can kill.
Chimney Inspections
During the chimney cleaning, we’ll perform a basic Level 1 chimney inspection. We will inform you about everything that is going on inside your chimney. When the job is finished, you’ll be happy to see that our extra care prevented any part of your Oceanside home or belongings from being affected by soot or dust.
How Chimney Sweep Services in Oceanside Work
Chimney Sweeps Inc. of Oceanside holds a Certified Chimney Professional designation and brings more than 35 years of experience to the job of cleaning chimneys. We use chimney sweep brushes, rods, whips, solvents, HEPA vacuums and other specialized tools to safely remove creosote and debris.
Chimney Safety Is Our #1 Job
At Chimney Sweeps Inc. of Oceanside, we take great pride in a job well done. Our most important job is safety for you and your family through chimney cleaning, chimney inspections and a full menu of chimney repairs.
When your chimney needs attention, give us a call at (619) 593-4020 or request an appointment online here.