Chimneys, by function, can easily become a dirty part of the house. However, it is important to understand that while it is common for them to be filthy, chimneys should be cleaned and maintained on a regular basis. Listed below are some important reasons why you should clean your St. Louis chimney.
Avoid Creosote Formation
One of the major reasons that St. Louis homeowners should clean their chimneys is to avoid creosote build up. Creosote exist in various forms. It can be a liquid form, crusty, or brittle ash. The watery type of creosote can be very messy and a pain to clean. This is especially true when it drips from stovepipe joints. The other types occur like dried paint. These usually dry up on modern airtight stoves. Lastly, the type which has dry flaky coating can be found in fireplaces. It is crucial to remember that creosote is flammable. Because of this, homeowners should keep the buildup to a minimum. Excessive build up in the chimney is a easy way to start a hazadours chimney fire
Chimney Fires
The second reason why you should sweep your chimney is to avoid creating a chimney fire. Chimney fires can range from harmless to fatal. The variance depends on the duration and intensity of the chimney fire. It also depends on the amount of creosote that has been deposited into your chimney, along with chimney damage such as cracks.
Protect Your Health
Having a dirty chimney can be hazardous to your health. In some cases, it can be fatal. There have been incidences where people die because of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. CO is produced when fuel is burnt, even at low levels. Inhalation of CO can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, fainting, and confusion. If your chimney stays filthy and becomes blocked, then the CO that your fireplace or stove emits will not be able to vent properly and a build-up of gas will occur. CO poisoning is one of the leading causes of deaths related to chimneys.
Smoke Damage
Having a dirty chimney that results in blockage can cause all kinds of trouble. When the smoke is blocked, it will disperse somewhere else where there is more space. Under most circumstances, it will re-enter the room from where it originated. When smoke enters the room on a constant basis, it can easily damage furniture and other belongings inside your house. In addition to leaving unpleasant odors, it can also leave stains in your room.
