A Chimney Sweep is a professional who cleans ash from chimneys. A chimney is a structure that uses the pressure difference created by a hot gas or wood column to draw air through the hot coals or wood. The chimney may be long and straight, or it may have a number of twists and turns. Chimney Sweep Harrisburg PA will clean a chimney of ash and debris to make it as safe as possible.

There was a time when boys as young as four used to work as chimney sweeps. The parish paid them for learning the trade. As a result, they were totally reliant on their master sweep. They were also forced to apprentice as many children as possible. 

Before a chimney sweep begins their work, they will assess the work area. If furniture or other objects are near the chimney, they may be moved to protect the work area. The chimney sweep will lay a drop cloth in front of the fireplace and may even lay down a rug runner. The chimney sweep will also use a professional vacuum to control the ash. These steps can make a chimney sweep’s job easier.

A chimney sweep will thoroughly clean your chimney and examine it for defects. The professional may use a video camera or a light to see inside your chimney. The average cost of hiring a professional chimney sweeper is about $150, but it can be as little as $30. A professional chimney sweep should be certified by the CSIA and have valid business liability insurance.

Cleaning a chimney can be messy. Generally, a chimney sweep will take an hour or two to clean your chimney. The time depends on your chimney type and whether your chimney is blocked by buildup on its walls or a chimney leak. Before the sweep begins, you should take care of any valuable items inside the chimney. You should not use your fireplace or stove for 24 hours before the appointment.

To prevent potential fires, you must have your chimney cleaned every year. A buildup of creosote on your chimney can cause a chimney fire. This flammable material can spread to the main house and cause extensive damage. The best way to prevent this is to hire a chimney sweep. Those who have wood-burning fireplaces should get their chimneys cleaned by a professional at least once a year.

Modern chimney sweeps are highly trained professionals who clean fireplaces and chimneys. They follow specific procedures and guidelines and educate homeowners about proper burning techniques. They may also perform masonry chimney repair. A chimney sweep’s salary depends on formal training and experience. The job description varies by location. For example, some chimney sweeps perform crown repair, while others focus on removing flammable creosote and rebuilding flues.

A professional chimney sweep should be able to clean your chimney in about an hour or two. The whole process usually lasts 45 minutes to an hour. However, a chimney liner replacement may take eight hours. To avoid any problems, it is important to find a Chimney Sweep with a certified chimney sweep certification. You can also check with your local Better Business Bureau to learn about unresolved complaints.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, chimney cleaning should be performed annually. Cleaning may be necessary more often if you use your fireplace and chimney frequently. The National Fire Protection Association recommends cleaning chimneys at least once per year and having them inspected every two years. A chimney inspection should be performed by a professional to ensure its safety.

Cleaning is essential because creosote buildup is flammable and can cause a chimney fire. A fire in a chimney can also spread to a building’s framing. Luckily, most chimney fires are contained within the chimney. However, if you wait until a fire occurs, you may be in for a costly and dangerous surprise.

Hiring a chimney sweep before the fire season is the best way to make sure your chimney is clean and working properly. The best time to hire a chimney sweep is early summer. However, you can also clean your chimney yourself. Depending on your weather, the best time to self-clean your chimney is late summer or early fall.