The purpose of a fireplace is to keep your home warm and give it some visual appeal. But just like the other parts of your home, it needs some work to ensure it’s working effectively and safely. Without it, an unmaintained chimney can be the cause of house fires, so you simply don’t want that to happen.
It’s a good thing that there’s a service called chimney sweep that keeps your fireplace running efficiently while also ensuring your family’s safety. This can be a dirty process since it requires professionals to remove the filthy creosote residue, soot, and other debris that gets stuck in the chimney. So, it’s best to prepare your home prior to this service to ensure that you get the best results.
1. Make Sure the Chimney is Cold
Don’t use your fireplace for 24-48 hours before the chimney sweep’s arrival. Our professionals can’t do a proper cleaning or chimney inspection if the bricks are hot or you have embers in the fireplace.
2. Clean Off Your Mantle
Most homeowners display valuable heirlooms, photos, or other treasures on their fireplace mantle, so it’s a good idea to remove them for safety while our technicians work.
Our professionals are as careful as possible in your home, but accidents happen, which is why it’s wise to take as many precautions to protect your valuables during an appointment. Source: Chimney Solutions
3. Put Away Mantel Decor
It is possible for items on the mantel to be disturbed, broken, or damaged while the chimney sweep is cleaning and/or inspecting your fireplace and chimney. Remove mantel decor, especially delicate items and anything with sentimental value.
4. Make a Pathway
Chimney sweeps have special vacuums and different tools used to provide chimney services. Tools of the trade can be bulky and contain traces of soot from previous jobs. Create a clear pathway from the entrance of your home to the fireplace. Clearing a path could also help to avoid an accident that results in injury or damaged furnishings.
The chimney sweep will need access to a standard electrical outlet, and it is fine to provide access via an extension cord if the outlet is not closeby. Source: Felgemacher Fireplace Shop
5. Protect the Nearby Furniture
While we are always clean and careful, some soot does escape us and lands on nearby furniture. That’s why we tell clients to cover the upholstery with a sheet or towels. Unlike your cushions, you can wash these sheets or towels if they get dirty with soot. We’ll put something down on the floor, but you should cover the room’s furniture to avoid it getting dirty. Source: Chimney Champions
Hopefully, you don’t neglect the importance of getting a chimney sweep service occasionally considering that it could be hazardous if you don’t. For more information about this or if you need a professional for the job, don’t hesitate to give us a call!
Contact:
Kerrisdale Roofing & Drains
168 W 71st Ave, Vancouver, BC V5X 4S7
(604) 360-2114
