Are you fortunate to live in a cold region that allows you to enjoy your fireplace throughout the year? Although burning a fire in the fireplace can create a cozy atmosphere, there are more risks when it is done on a regular basis. If you want to safely use your fireplace on a regular basis, it is important to get the chimney cleaned every now and then. When cleaning is not done, your home could go up in flames, which could happen very quickly. Hiring a professional chimney sweep is the most ideal way to make sure cleaning is thoroughly done.

What Causes a Chimney to Become a Fire Hazard?

The debris that builds up inside a chimney is what causes it to become a fire hazard. For example, one of the things that is created when a fire is burning in the fireplace is something known as creosote. As you are burning the wood and smoke comes from the fire, creosote is contained within the smoke and travels up through the chimney. The creosote can remain stuck on the chimney walls as the smoke flows out of your home. Creosote, soot, animals, and many other things can get stuck in the chimney and cause a fire hazard.

What Are Signs That a Chimney Needs to Be Cleaned?

One of the signs that your chimney needs to be cleaned is when oily spots begin to appear on the walls of your home. The oil is the result of the soot that is produced when a fire is burning in the fireplace. You might also notice black spots on the walls in your home, which is also the result of soot from the fireplace. If you find it more difficult to light a fire, it can be the result of the fireplace being clogged and blocking the flow of oxygen. Flames must have sufficient oxygen to remain ignited.

How Much Does a Professional Chimney Sweep Charge?

A professional chimney sweep will have his or her own set prices, but the prices are usually set based on a few factors. For example, a chimney that has been cleaned on a regular basis might be easier to clean. The easier the cleaning task, the less money you are likely to spend. If there is a substantial amount of cleaning to do, the price should be expected to be higher. Speak to a professional chimney sweep at a company like Lifetime Chimney Chicago to learn what it will cost to clean your chimney.