|
Fireplace is an imperative part of almost every house. It is next to impossible to feel comfortable without a fireplace especially in winter. But, regular usage can make the chimney dirty and polluted. Burning fire in chimney leads buildup of soot and creosote. This sticky substance can results in chimney fire, if it is not detached efficiently. Consequently, it is imperative to clean the chimney flue at least once in a season. Though, the frequency of cleaning depends on usage. Hiring an expert can be somehow expensive if you use fireplace very often. So, you have an option to clean the chimney by your own if you know a right method and have appropriate equipment for cleaning. Be ready to clean the chimney It is imperative to check whether it is the right time to clean a chimney or not. Check the condition of chimney using a flashlight. If you find a 1/8-inch thick layer, it means chimney requires immediate cleaning. It is always better to clean a chimney just before the season begins. Before starting, measure the size and shape of the flue. Buying chimney cleaning equipments is the most important task that should be done carefully. Chimney brush, extension pipes, stiff wire brush, plastic tarp, dust mask and goggles are some important cleaning equipment you should buy. Cover your hair and full body for protection. Moreover, you should cover the furniture of house to protect it from dust, dirt, etc. Clean the Chimney from Top to Down Prefer top to down method to clean a chimney efficiently. To get started, take a ladder and climb to the roof of your home. Take care of your safety and set-up the ladder right next to the house. Pick a shoulder bag to keep chimney brush and other equipment and go to the top. Make sure that your roof is not slanted and you are able to keep your balance. If you feel that your roof is not safe to stand and you are not able to sustain your balance, go for another method. Attach the brush to one part of pipe and put the brush into chimney. Use up and down movement and start to scrub the flue to clean. After cleaning a particular portion, add another section of pipe to lengthen the brush further down to the chimney. Continue it until you have cleaned the length of the chimney. This way, you can clean the entire chimney in an effective way and without spending much money. Other Methods to Clean the Chimney If you are not comfortable with top to down method, you can prefer alternative methods to clean the chimney. You can go for down up method. In this method you are not required to use ladder. If you have another partner for support, you can go for pulley rope system. In this method the brush is operated from both roof and fireplace. Choose one best method and clean your chimney without any professional help.
Related Articles -
chimney, chimney cleaning, chimney condition,
| 
