Nothing is more soothing on a cold, wintry day than relaxing in the comfort and warmth of a glowing fire.  However, if you cannot remember the last time that you had your fireplace and chimney cleaned, then it is probably time for a thorough cleaning.  Depending on how often you use your fireplace during the colder months, a cleaning is recommended at least once every year.  This will protect you and your family against the risk of a fire starting in the chimney or your indoor air quality from being ruined by smoke circulating throughout your home via your HVAC system.
 
When you use your fireplace frequently, soot accumulates in your chimney.  In addition to this, debris and leaves can enter the chimney if there isn’t a cap or guard installed.  This can restrict the venting of smoke out of your home through the chimney.  If the chimney is clogged, smoke can fill your home very quickly with potentially dangerous results.  This can all be easily avoided by having your fireplace and chimney cleaned by Dapper Ducts.
 
Most importantly, regular chimney cleaning prevents the build-up of creosote, a flammable substance that can ignite and burn very quickly as well as causing a blockage and restricting air flow.  Dapper Ducts will ensure that the creosote has been thoroughly removed from the chimney’s interior walls, thereby reducing the risk of a fire occurring. We can also install a chimney cap if needed.
 
It’s also important to remember that cleaning your chimney and fireplace can be very messy and hiring a professional to do the job means your hands and home will stay clean. 
 
We hope you call Dapper Ducts today to schedule your chimney cleaning and enjoy a safe and warm winter season.

Chimney cleaning is vital to the safety of you and your family as well as your home.  Over time, you will most likely be confronted with at least one of the following issues.
 
Blockage – aside from creosote (see below), there are a number of potential blockage problems that a chimney sweep can correct.  Over time, birds nesting in the chimney and the accumulation of leaves and other forms of debris can prevent smoke from exiting.
 
Brickwork problems – depending on the condition of the mortar used in the construction of your chimney, the masonry could last up to 100 years.  However, over time, that mortar deteriorates and brickwork problems occur due to excessive exposure to moisture (a common problem in the Mid-Atlantic with our humid weather).
 
Chimney cap and crown issues – these features are the primary defense against the more harsh outdoor elements.  When the cap and crown are damaged, they no longer operate properly.  The result is that moisture can find its way into the chimney and cause all types of problems over time.
 
Creosote – this is a chemical that deposits along the walls of your chimney whenever you burn wood in your fireplace.  Over time, creosote and soot accumulate on the walls.  Since creosote is highly flammable, it can ignite without any warning.
 
Flue cracks – when the chimney flue is cracked, a house fire can start very easily.  As heat escapes through the chimney, it can come into contact with the combustible elements of your home posing a very dangerous situation for you, your family and your neighbors.
 
Dapper Ducts performs professional chimney cleaning and inspection to ensure that none of these issues happen to you.   We want your evenings in front of the fire to be relaxing and worry-free.