How Chimney Liners Can make Cleaning Your Chimney Easier
Chimneys have long been an essential part of keeping our homes warm and safe. Consider, the Romans used tubes inside their walls to draw smoke from their bakeries. However, it was not until the 12th century that the world’s first true chimneys appeared in Europe. Since that time, chimneys have gone on to keep our homes safe, inspiring children’s stories along the way. Santa Claus, as represented in Clement Clarke Moore’s 1823 poem, comes down the chimney to give us our presents. Clearly, chimneys are viewed as a good thing. However, they can also pose a risk to our homes and families.
According to recent statistics, 25,000 chimney fires occur every year in the United States, resulting in $125 million worth of damages that homeowners and governments have to pay for. As FEMA points out, those horrendous events result in 3,400 deaths and more than 17,000 injuries annually. If you want to protect your family from any possible danger, then cleaning your chimney may be the way to do it.
- Reduce Fire Hazards
- Reduce Exposure to Carbon Monoxide
The Family Handyman writes that cleaning a chimney is the most essential step to take in avoiding a fire. A bi-product of burning would known as creosote builds up and hardens over time, leaving nowhere for the heat and smoke from the fireplace to go. Eventually, the problem becomes so bad that the chimney can light on fire. By cleaning your chimney, you can help avoid this issue.
Just as creosote blocks a chimney and leads to possible fires, so too can it lead to carbon monoxide being pumped back into your home. According to Mayo Clinic, carbon monoxide reduces the body’s ability to transfer oxygen in blood. If left untreated, the condition can lead to death. Cleaning your chimney can keep you safe.
How Often Should You Have Your Chimney Cleaned?
Knowing how to clean your chimney and how often to do so are essential to your success. While there is no minimum or maximum time you should go between cleaning your chimney, by keeping an eye on the deposits in the chimney, you can measure for yourself. According to HowStuffWorks, cleaning your chimney yourself can be a dangerous, tricky process. In fact, it is often better to seek a professional service for cleaning your chimney.
What Else Can Be Done to Protect Your Family?
There are a few steps you can take to help reduce the amount of wear and tear on your chimney, and thereby reduce your need for cleaning your chimney. One of the main causes of chimney breakdown is acidic moisture caused by condensed flue gases. By using steel chimney liners, you can protect your chimney from these chemicals. According to the Chimney Safety Institute, chimney liners have the added benefit of reducing creosote build-up while maintaining the flow of carbon monoxide out of your home.
Chimneys remain incredibly important all across the world. Consider, the tallest chimney in the world, over 1,378 feet high, is used by the GRES-2 Power Station in Kazakhstan, giving power to an entire population of people. Just like you, they have to use chimney liners, chimney caps, and cleaning techniques to keep everything safe. Keep these tips in mind the next time you are cleaning your chimney for the sake of your home and family.
