Is Your Chimney Safe?
A chimney that has cleaned and inspected by a professional certified chimney sweep is a safe chimney. Many homeowners do not realize that the exhaust gases from wood, oil, coal, pellet, and gas heating appliances produces chemicals and condensation which deteriorates the interior of the chimney and cause the clay flue tiles and other masonry to break down, or even possibly collapse, which allows smoke and deadly carbon monoxide intrusion into your home! Every chimney needs to be swept and inspected by a certified chimney sweep on a regular basis.
The flue gases from oil fired boilers and furnaces produce soot, which, when mixed with condensation, creates a sulfuric acid reaction, deteriorating both clay flue and stainless steel liner systems. The chimney flue should be swept and inspected on a regular basis by a professional certified chimney sweep to remove soot and debris, and determine if any flue deterioration has occurred. The gases from wood burning appliances produce creosote, which is combustible and acidic, and must be swept and removed from the chimney by a professional certified chimney sweep on an annual basis. All chimneys, no matter what they service, should be swept and inspected on a regular basis by a "CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep,” according to The National Fire Protection Association Standard (NFPA) 211 code, which states that, "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." Sweeping your chimney will help prevent blockages, deterioration, and potential chimney fires which can endanger your entire family (see our section on “Sweeping” for more information). It also allows for careful inspection of the integrity of the flue liner, which is the most crucial element in ensuring that these dangerous gases get out of your home as quickly and safely as possible! When you have your chimney swept and inspected by a professional certified chimney sweep, you can rest assured that you are receiving top-level service by trained individuals, bound to a code of ethics, who are committed to their customers’ safety, as well as to continuing their own education, so they can advise you on the best burning practices and installations according to ever-changing local and national codes.
We at Rutland Chimney Services are sweeps both certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and licensed by the State of Vermont. We are also members of the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG). We have over 25 years of experience sweeping and repairing chimneys in Vermont and the surrounding areas. Our services do not just include sweeping, cleaning, visual and video inspections of chimneys; but we also specialize in stainless steel lining (with a lifetime warranty), wood stove and fireplace insert installation and service, fireplace restoration, masonry repair, insulated chimney systems, pellet stove cleaning, installation and more. Your safety is our first priority, and we believe that educating our customers is the key to their safety, and in helping them through the process of deciding which burning practices to adopt. We strive to go the extra mile so that we don’t leave you with just a swept chimney, but also with the knowledge and confidence to continue burning safely. We are a professional chimney sweeping company servicing both Vermont and New Hampshire, dedicated to top-quality service at fair prices.
Call or email us today to schedule an appointment to have your chimney swept and inspected. We look forward to serving you!