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Q Why do I need to have my chimney cleaned?
Q Why is it important to use a CSIA certified company?
Q Why use Advanced Chimney and not a Competitor?
Q Why do I need to have my chimney cleaned?
A All chimneys should be cleaned and inspected on a regular basis, whether they are connected to a fireplace, wood stove, oil burner, or gas burner. Failure to do so could result in any of the following hazards:
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Fireplace and wood burning stove chimneys:
Fireplace and wood burning stove chimneys naturally
develop a coating of creosote inside the smoke chamber and flue system over time. Creosote goes through chemical transformations and if left undisturbed becomes a thick shiny glazing that eventually is even more difficult to remove. In this state, it is most flammable and becomes a potential fire hazard. This condition of creosote can not be removed with conventional cleaning methods such as wire brushing. It must be first treated through multiple visits with various chemicals after which it can then be removed but not after incurring added costs for this added treatment processing. Having your fireplace and chimney serviced annually will assist in preventing creosote buildup. Also, burning properly cured wood can help reduce such buildup.
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Oil burner chimneys:
Avoiding proper cleaning of an oil burning chimney can lead to several problems since oil is the most corrosive burning fuel. Chimneys are designed to pull fumes from the oil burner to the outside, and to draw a required amount of air to be used for proper operation of the burner. Over time, at the point where the horizontal pipe from the oil burner connects to the vertical chimney flue, the area will generally fill with soot and clay from the lining. As these corrosive elements fill the horizontal pipe from the oil burner, it reduces the amount of necessary chimney draft reaching the oil burner. If the chimney is partially blocked, excessive amounts of soot will be realized from this lack of air flow. This extra soot falls to the base of the chimney, increasing the lack of drafting. Some warning signs are a dusting of soot at the base of the chimney or on the top of the oil burner and occasionally fume odors when the burner starts up. If the compiled soot and clay is not removed, carbon monoxide can enter the home.
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Gas burner chimneys:
Even though gas is a clean burning fuel, gas appliances require regular maintenance for proper and safe operation. Gas chimneys can become more dangerous than oil or wood chimneys if not maintained. Gas chimneys require protective caps to ward off birds and squirrels, or debris from overhanging trees entering the flue. Some gas chimneys contain an older terra cotta lining which generally crack and flake causing a blockage. In some instances, these gas chimneys were also used to vent an appliance that uses a different fuel type causing the flue to break down even faster when a newly installed gas unit introduces higher moisture gases. Blockage in a gas chimney can cause the backup of carbon monoxide fumes to the home. Since carbon monoxide cannot be detected by smell, this can create a deadly living environment.
Q Why is it important to use a CSIA certified company?
A CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) is a non-profit - educational organization and is the only national certification program for obtaining the highest credentials for fire and chimney safety. Once exams are passed by individuals, this obtained credential means a hallmark of excellence among chimney and venting professionals. This certification must also be renewed annually. A major policy of the CSIA makes it clear that companies who use this trademark must have at least one certified individual on the job site performing or supervising work, thus ensuring proper safety for you and your home.
Q Why use Advanced Chimney Inc. and not a Competitor?
A Advanced Chimney Inc. is a name that you can trust, who has a customer service team to make sure every customer is a customer for life.
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