Chumasande MatiwaneYour chimney functions like the exhaust pipe of your home, but it can become clogged and pose dangers if not cleaned regularly. To prevent blockages and health risks, schedule an annual cleaning inspection for your chimney. There are several methods for cleaning your chimney, and each one ensures that it remains clean and safe.
What causes your chimney to be dirty?
When the cold temperature of winter drops, chimney usage becomes prevalent. Homes use the chimney to stay warm indoors. Chimneys mostly use wood fires, which do not burn clean. When wood burns, it releases a host of contaminants that coat the inside of the chimney. In addition to this, wind and other outside elements can cause flammable debris to enter the chimney.
This is why cleaning the chimney is important. Without cleaning your chimney regularly, you will begin to experience a slowdown in wood burning. Fires will be more reluctant to start, and they will not burn as much as before.
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DIY cleaning methods
You aim to clean your chimney around the Autumn season just before winter. This helps you prepare well for winter, when you begin using the chimney again.
What you’ll need:
Tools:
- A ladder
- Cordless drill with a screwdriver bit
- A vacuum
- Flashlight
- Safety glasses
Materials to use:
- Chimney brushes
- Fibreglass extension rods
- Sheet plastic
- Duct tape
- Dust mask
Steps to follow:
Step 1: To properly protect your living room, fully open the fireplace damper. Use a plastic sheet wide enough to cover the opening inside the house. Secure the plastic sheet to the floor in front of the fireplace with duct tape. This will help seal off the area and prevent debris from falling into your living room.
Step 2: Climb on top of the roof with your ladder so that you can gain access to the roof. Make sure the ladder is steady and be sure to bring your chimney cleaning tools up to the roof. You will also need to bring your drill and a dust mask before you begin working.
Step 3: Attach your chimney sweeping brush to the extension rod. Begin scrubbing by starting at the top and slowly working downwards. Scrub until you reach the end with the rod.
Step 4: Before finishing, inspect your chimney with a flashlight to check for any missed spots. Repeat brushing until there is no debris inside the chimney.
Step 5: Now clean the fireplace area inside the house from all the fallen debris. Carefully peel away the plastic sheet covering the fireplace. Remove all fallen debris with your vacuum and discard all the dirt. With all that done, your chimney will be clean and ready for use.
Image Credit: Unsplash
ALSO SEE: DIY GUIDE: MASTER THE ART OF DRY STONE WALLING
Feature Image: Unsplash
