Who’s job is it?

With the heating season just around the corner, many wood stove and fireplace owners will attempt to sweep their chimneys without considering the potential risks involved in doing so. Since this task is done several meters above ground level, the first and foremost danger is the free fall. People without the proper equipment or unfamiliar with this task expose themselves to many risks.

Acrobatics aside, your health would be in serious danger. Soot, creosote as well as other elements produced as a result of combustion are very dangerous and are associated with certain respiratory diseases and skin cancer. To protect yourself against these dangerous substances an industrial mask with cartridge filters covering your entire face must be used.

Another potential risk is the exposure to bacteria caused by dead animals which are often found in the chimney. Furthermore, there is always a risk of finding these animals alive and ready to attack the intruder, you. In order to dispose of these animals, whether alive or decomposing, one must have the proper equipment and knowledge to do the job correctly and safely.

An experienced and qualified chimney sweeper would be your best choice in getting a job well done so that you can rest assured and enjoy the heat of a good quality fire. The frequency of having your chimney cleaned depends on the amount of wood that has been burned and the quality of the wood used. Bien-O-Chaud.com strongly suggests the use of an EPA certified heating unit as well as using wood containing a level of humidity between 18% and 25% in order to reduce the accumulation of creosote in the chimney. For more information on this subject please refer to the article « Doing-it right on the first try ».

Please be sure to check and confirm the qualifications of your chimney sweeper with local authorities or heating associations before contracting their services.

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