Why Get A Chimney Sweep?

Although this may be an obvious answer to some, I've been asked it enough to know it is worth discussing here. Additionally, those who think they know the answer may only know one reason and may even learn something from the other reasons. So read on!

The main reasons to get a professional Long Island chimney sweep and sweep are as follows:

1. A proper inspection of your chimney by a licensed professional is essential to making sure it is safe to use. Ensuring that your chimney can be operated safely is the #1 priority of all reputable chimney service companies. If there are blockages in your chimney or excess build up, you could be looking at a very serious fire hazard or you could breathe in fatal amounts of carbon dioxide if not all of the smoke is escaping.
2. Certain animals love chimneys. Especially as temperatures get colder and weather gets wetter, animals are looking for dry warm places to seek shelter. For squirrels, raccoons and other varmints that can clime, a chimney is a nice easy opening to get into to nest. Even if they animals have come and gone, they could have created blockages while they were roosting in your chimney.
3. Cracks need to be repaired. Cracks in the chimney can usually easily be repaired if they are noticed and dealt with before they turn into a bigger problem. Larger chimney issues can cause massive problems and cost a lot more to fix so it is always better to have a trained professional find and deal with problems sooner rather than later.
4. Save on energy and heating costs. A high-functioning chimney (especially those with a wood-burning stove) can produce a lot of heat for a home and can usually be maintained for a fraction of the cost of burning natural gas or using electricity. Properly maintained chimneys will produce bigger, better and safer fires.

Those are the best reasons I give when asked this question. Post a comment if you can think of others!