According to recent Statista data, there were around 358,000 newly constructed nuclear family houses with at least one chimney. This data reflects that people are still fond of having chimneys nowadays. However, the trend has declined, where over 901,000 newly built houses had chimneys in 2005.
However, it could be well established that many houses still have chimneys installed. Thus, the need for timely maintenance of chimneys is important. But what if you’re unsure if you should clean the chimney or hire a professional?
Cleaning a chimney is pretty easy, but it’s also dangerous. When you take on the task yourself, many things can go wrong, like falling through your floor. On the other hand, a professional will know exactly what they’re doing and have all the right equipment to get the job done safely while still meeting your needs as a homeowner.
This article will examine what makes hiring a professional chimney cleaning company better than doing it yourself.
Money Isn’t the Only Consideration
Money isn’t the only consideration when hiring a professional chimney cleaning company. Safety, quality, and peace of mind are also important. A professional can tell you what your chimney needs and if it’s safe to use again after cleaning it. In addition, they’re trained to do a thorough job, so you don’t have to worry about future health issues or other problems.
DIY Can Actually Cost More
There are other factors to consider when deciding whether or not to hire a chimney cleaning company. For example, the cost of materials can add up over time. If you plan on cleaning your chimney and want to purchase professional-grade equipment, you will be spending more than if you simply hired someone else to do it for you.
Another factor is the time spent cleaning. A professional can clean your chimney in much less time than it would take for someone inexperienced. If a person does not know what they are doing, they could damage their home or even themselves by trying something too difficult for them alone, e.g., climbing on the roof. They could also get stuck inside during an accident where no one can help them.
It’s Not Just About a Clean Chimney
When hiring a professional chimney cleaning company, it’s important to know that this isn’t just cleaning your chimney. It’s about safety and peace of mind. Research by NFPA states that chimneys and fireplaces were accountable for nearly 29% or 3 in 10 fire accidents at home. However, most of these accidents were confined fires and did not cause any damage beyond the chimney area.
Proper cleaning and maintenance by a professional ensure you can avoid fire accidents in your house. You want someone who will do a thorough job so that when you use your fireplace again, you won’t have any concerns about releasing carbon monoxide or other gases into your home.
The best way to find a reputable company is through word-of-mouth recommendations from friends or family members who had their chimneys cleaned recently by professionals. If no one in your social circle has used this type of service before, consider looking online for companies in your area that offer high ratings on sites like Angie’s List and Yelp.
Another important thing is to search for local chimney cleaning companies. It is especially true if you live in New York City, where there are so many chimney cleaning companies to choose from. If you’re looking for a local chimney cleaning service in NYC, keep an eye out for companies that provide additional services, such as air duct cleaning in NYC. That way, you can be sure they can provide excellent service at an affordable price.
Locally owned businesses are more likely to be familiar with the area and its specific challenges, so they can offer more relevant solutions to your problems.
Cleaning Without Knowing the Proper Tools is Dangerous
Chimney cleaning is a dangerous job. If you are not trained to use the proper tools and techniques, you could severely injure yourself while climbing on top of your chimney. You may also damage your chimney or surrounding structures, causing leaks in your home that could lead to mold growth and other health hazards.
Additionally, suppose you are not careful when cleaning the inside of your chimney with a vacuum attachment or brush. In that case, you could accidentally knock out pieces of soot and creosote onto the roof below. It is a big no-no for any homeowner who values their roofing tiles.
Professionals are Trained to Do a Thorough Job
A professional chimney cleaning company is trained to do a thorough job. They are also trained in the proper use of tools and equipment. Thus, don’t worry about how to clean your chimney or whether you need a brush, scraper, and vacuum cleaner for every part. Professional chimney cleaners know what to look for and what problems must be fixed before starting work on your fireplace.
All this translates into less time spent doing the job yourself and more time getting back all the benefits of having a properly cleaned fireplace.
Pros Can Let You Know What Your Chimney Really Needs
As per a report from IBIS World, there are around 9,136 registered chimney and fireplace service businesses in the US, employing over 12,000 chimney sweeps around the country. Thus, finding a professional chimney cleaning company won’t be a big issue.
A professional can check your chimney and see if it is safe, if it needs repairs, or even if it needs to be rebuilt. It can save you money in the long run because it will let you know if it is worth repairing or rebuilding the entire structure.
Hiring a professional also means that they will clean for you so that no one gets injured while doing their work in your home. In addition, they have experience with this kind of work and know how best to do it without causing any damage in their wake.
Availability of Parts and Equipment
One of the benefits is that professionals have access to parts and equipment that you may not be able to find. Sometimes, it’s not even available at all. For example, if your chimney has a damaged crown that needs repair, most likely, there are no replacement materials for sale in your local hardware store. The same goes for other parts, such as the flue tiles or the liner material.
Pros also better understand what is available on the market and what is needed for repairs or replacements. It means they can order them for you if needed and prepare everything before starting work on your home, so nothing gets delayed due to a lack of proper equipment. Such things happen more often than you think.
Hiring a Professional Chimney Cleaner is the Best Option for You.
Professional chimney cleaning companies can do a thorough job. They will be able to clean all your flues and crevices that you might not be able to reach on your own. They also know how to repair any damage they find in your home. Additionally, pros are trained to do a thorough job, so they can let you know what your chimney needs regarding maintenance or repairs.
They are also trained to make sure your chimney is safe. They will inspect it for cracks and other damage that could be hazardous. Additionally, they know how to repair any issues they find while in your home, so you can rest easy knowing that everything is safe and secure.
Is hiring a professional chimney cleaning company better than doing it yourself? In short, yes. A professional chimney cleaner has the tools and expertise to do the job correctly and will ensure your chimney remains safe for many years. They also offer other services such as inspections, repairs, and installation.
