Question

How often does my chimney need to be swept?

The National Fire Protection Association Standard 211 says, "Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary." This is the national safety standard. It takes into account that even if you don't use your chimney much, animals may build nests in the flue or there may be other types of deterioration that could make the chimney unsafe to use.

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Will there be a mess?

At Gold City Sweeps we follow specific guidelines and procedures that guarantee a thorough and professional job. We take special care in ensuring your home is left in the same order it was found.

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What is safe to burn in my fireplace?

Only well-seasoned wood is safe to burn. Seasoned wood is easy to recognize. Look for ends that have darkened and started to crack, and bark that has loosened or fallen away. Well-seasoned wood is lighter in weight than an unseasoned piece. 

There are a number of reasons your fireplace might putting smoke into your home. The culprit could be exhaust issues, downdrafts, broken or poorly constructed chimney, the type of firewood you are using, or seasonal changes to name a few.

Rain can damage metal fireboxes and dampers. It can also erode mortar joints, causing the chimney to weaken. For rain protection, a chimney cap is the solution. A stainless steel model gives lifetime protection from moisture damage. 

If the damper is not functioning correctly or if it’s closed, it may lead to a smoky room at best and a fire hazard at worst. The damper is a hinged metal plate or valve used to seal the fireplace when not in use. The damper needs to be fully open before you light your fire.

Vented gas logs generate some soot and carbon just like wood burning fires and can leave deposits in the chimney. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), some of the new gas fireplaces still recommend or require an annual chimney sweep.