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Homeowners and property managers shouldn’t overlook the maintenance of chimney flue systems that safely channel smoke and other fumes outside the building. That said, you may be wondering when metal chimney flues need cleaning.
In this article, we’ll break down when chimneys should be cleaned and why metal chimney flues are an efficient and reinforced option for installation.
When Do Metal Chimney Flues Need Cleaning?
All types of chimneys, including metal chimneys, need regular cleaning for a prolonged service life. Professional contractors like Approved Home Improvements suggest annual inspections and at least one chimney flue sweep and clean per year.
Annual service is a baseline recommended mark, but cleaning comes down to the usage of a specific chimney flue. Property owners should be prepared to contact a professional servicer if there is notable soot or creosote buildup. Listed below are a few signs that indicate metal chimney flues need cleaning:
- Evidence of animals
- Oil marks on fireplace walls
- The fireplace damper is black
- Smoke quickly fills your property when used
- Intensely strong fire odor
- Extensive effort to start and maintain fire
Metal Chimneys
Metal or steel chimneys are growing in popularity compared to traditional masonry structures. Metal is an excellent conductor of heat, making the material a reliable option for chimney systems. Stainless metal and steel are significantly more durable, pest resistant, and rust resistant. Metal chimneys operate well in humid conditions and match modern building plans for an attractive design.
Although metal material is insulated for high-heat protection, metal warps at high temperatures. Confirm with your chimney provider that your metal structure meets fire safety guidelines.
Metal Chimney Flues
If you have a chimney on your property, you also have a chimney flue system that safely and efficiently directs byproducts of burning gas away from the building. The chimney structure is built to funnel the upward direction of the smoke, containing a second-layer component called a flue. The smooth protection material of flues inside inner chimney walls eases the general smoke passage, protecting external building material from deterioration due to the effects of burning smoke.
Metal chimney flues provide boosted protection from the moment they are installed and activated. Traditional structures and chimney flue systems develop cracks from smoke damage, allowing harmful gasses and excess smoke into the building. Metal and steel material is reinforced, reducing deterioration effects.
Regular cleaning for your metal chimney flue is important, but it’s not the only measure property owners must take to ensure a prolonged lifespan. Do you remember the last time you scheduled a chimney or fireplace inspection? If you don’t, check out these helpful tips for regular chimney maintenance.
Effects of Dirty Metal Chimneys
Did you know the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends cleaning your chimney once every 36 fires? The effects of dirty chimneys can mount quickly. Be sure to schedule regular inspection, maintenance, and sweeping with a professional contractor to avoid these potential problems:
Fires
According to the CSIA, chimney fires are common and often undetected by homeowners and property managers. Creosote buildup between cleanings is the leading cause of chimney fires because the material becomes more flammable over time. Most fires are contained in the chimney, but significant outbursts can breach the building. Cracking and popping inside the chimney when the fireplace isn’t in use are signs of chimney fires. Avoid such events with regular cleaning and inspection from professionals.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
As fire burns, soot and creosote develop over time, seeping into chimney flues and liners. Chimney dampers also malfunction, potentially not opening to release combustion products. Trapped smoke and carbon monoxide create a poisoning threat.
Health Concerns
Your eyes, lungs, and skin risk of exposure when creosote buildup is significant. Allergies or asthma speed up the effects of creosote. Professional contractors use special tools and chemicals for removing harmful components from chimney flue systems.
Strong Odors
Soot builds in chimneys over time, no matter how often cleaning and maintenance are performed. Soot contains harmful chemicals like creosote, a flammable material. Creosote projects strong odors when exposed to wet conditions or high humidity, and odors quickly breach into the air, carpets, and furniture, often lingering for periods.
Benefits of Chimney Flue and Metal Fireplace Cleaning
Chimneys are a reliable source of heat throughout the winter months. Because these structures are used during cold temperatures, metal chimney flues need cleaning. Regular cleaning increases system efficiency, safety, and the chance for a prolonged chimney lifespan. Let’s run through the advantages of regular metal chimney and fireplace cleaning.
Boosted Heating Efficiency
Clogged chimney flues reduce the amount of oxygen reaching burning wood. Clean chimneys allow for efficient and thorough burns, improving overall warmth in your building.
Avoiding Chimney Fires
The more your chimney and fireplace are used, the more creosote builds in your system. Different types of logs don’t reduce creosote—schedule cleaning and maintenance for a healthy chimney lifespan.
Proper Smoke Flow
Smoke becomes blocked in chimney flue systems due to specific contaminants and debris. It looks for an outlet, sometimes breaching into the property and affecting your health and the building. Clean chimney flues regularly to ensure proper smoke flow.
Reduces Health Risks
Carbon monoxide particles are invisible and odorless. The more creosote buildup, the more harmful gasses present. Inspection and cleaning annually or every 36 fires significantly reduces the chances of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Approved Home Improvements: Your Next Professional Servicer for Metal Chimney Flue Cleaning
It’s common for property owners to overlook chimney cleaning needs. That’s why our motto at Approved Home Improvements is, “Don’t assume your chimney is safe; know it’s safe.” We’ve spent the last three decades as the go-to St. Louis contractor for all chimney service and repair needs. Contact our team today for reliable and effective metal chimney flue sweeping services.
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