5 Signs Your Chimney Needs Sweeping

When it comes to home maintenance, it’s surprisingly easy for important tasks to slip through the cracks. Homeowners oftentimes prioritise maintenance that is visible. For example, they’re more likely to fix a crack in the ceiling than get their chimney swept. However, neglecting to sweep your chimney frequently can have dire consequences. Not only will it cause your fireplace to work poorly, but it can also be hazardous for your health. Here are a few signs that you should call a profession chimney sweep:

Bad odour

It’s natural for your fireplace to emit a smokey odour when it’s in use. However, if you notice a bad odour coming from the fireplace when there is no fire lit, it could be a sign that creosote and soot have built up in the chimney. Creosote is a byproduct of burning wood. In its early stages, it’s dusty, but after a while it can become tar-like in consistency. If not removed immediately, it can harm both your chimney and your lungs.

Excess smoke

When a fireplace is working properly, no smoke should fill the room. Instead, the smoke made by the fire should be sucked up through the chimney. However, if your room is filled with excess smoke when you light a fire, it’s a surefire sign that your chimney needs a deep cleaning. When a chimney becomes blocked with creosote, it doesn’t work correctly and causes smoke to flood the entire house. Inhaling this smoke can be dangerous for both you and your family.

Slow fire

It should not take hours for your fire to get started. If you have a slow-burning fire, it typically means that there is an obstruction in the chimney. This could be soot, creosote, and even animal activity! Regardless of the cause, it means that you need your chimney to be professionally cleaned.

Rust

If you notice rust on your firebox or damper, it could be a bad sign. Rust only forms when moisture is present and there should not be enough moisture in your fireplace to cause rust. Rust could be indicative of flue lining cracks, which are extremely dangerous because they can cause a fire.

Pieces of chimney in fireplace

The only remnants that should be in your fireplace are wood. If you notice any other bits in your fireplace, observe them closely. They just may be pieces of your chimney! If pieces of flue tiles are falling into your fireplace, it means that your chimney is not structurally safe.

If you have experienced any of the above signs with your fireplace, then it’s time to call a professional chimney sweep immediately. At The Original Chimney Sweep, we take our job very seriously. We are the leading chimney sweep professionals in Cape Town and for good reason. Not only do we service all of Cape Town’s surrounding neighborhoods, but we also use the highest quality tools available. Our technicians are highly trained and have the hands-on experience needed to clean your chimney thoroughly and leave your home spotless. Don’t hesitate to contact us for any of your chimney sweeping needs.