Santa's Friend Chimney Service Blog

Be Santa’s Friend With A Clean Chimney

Can’t wait to hear the jingling sleigh bells and little tapping feet on your rooftop? It won’t be long now until that jolly old elf, Mr. Claus himself, will be making a trip down your chimney. But there’s nothing that makes Mrs. Claus quite so unhappy as having to spend time after the holidays cleaning soot stains off Santa’s red suit! Here’s how you can help make Santa’s and Mrs. Claus’ lives a little easier when it’s time to relax after the busy holiday season – make sure that your chimney is safe and clean by having it swept and inspected now, before it’s time for Santa to make his visit.

What’s Making it Dirty?

So, why is your chimney getting so dirty anyway? It’s the smoke that’s causing all the problems! What kind of firewood you burn can make a difference in how much smoke is being produced. When you burn a hot fire using hardwoods, your chimney will get less dirty because less smoke will be produced. Hardwoods, such as oak, maple, ash, or beech work best, but it’s also important that the wood you burn be well seasoned. This means drying it for at least six months to a year in order to make sure that the moisture content of the wood is very low. This will cause less moisture in the smoke, which means less creosote buildup, and that means Santa’s suit stays cleaner!

Creosote Build Up

An even bigger worry with creosote buildup, however, is the worry of a dangerous chimney fire. Even when you use the right kind of wood, you’ll still get some creosote buildup. Creosote is the thick, gummy deposit that condenses onto the interior of your chimney when smoke floats up. This is extremely flammable, and a buildup of even as much as an eighth of an inch is enough to catch a spark and cause a serious chimney fire. You’ll want to make sure to hire the CSIA certified technicians from Santa’s Friend Chimney Service to make sure that every bit of creosote is cleared away.

Obstructions

Another thing that could cause some problems for Santa is obstructions in the chimney. Over the course of the summer, birds and other animals could have made their home in your chimney to avoid the weather and predators. Trouble is, when they leave their home, they leave the nest behind. This won’t just make it tougher for Santa to fit through that already narrow space, it could also be a catalyst for a chimney fire! All it takes is one spark touching that dry tinder and you could have a fire burning in your chimney. That could cause chimney damage at best and a fire disaster at the very worst! Santa’s Friend will clear those obstructions out lickety-split!

Avoid Problems by Having Your Chimney Cleaned

All it takes is one phone call to make sure that Santa’s trip down your chimney is safe and clean. Call Santa’s Friend Chimney Service to set up your chimney cleaning today and enjoy a safe and beautiful holiday season!

A Stinky Chimney Problem

No more holding your breath at home due to your smelly chimney. Just call us and we’ll have your chimney cleaned in no time.

When your friends enter your home, you want them to smell something good. Let’s face it; chimney odors do not fall into this category. This is one reason why it is important to keep your chimney maintenance up to date. If you are experiencing problems like this or have any other chimney related questions, call the experts at Santa’s Friend Chimney Service today.

Why does my chimney stink anyway?

The main reason your chimney will stink is because of creosote. When wood is burned in the fire, these byproducts come up and begin to clump together on the inside of your chimney. This will not only cause drafts problems, but if left long enough they will begin to soak into the structure of your chimney and become harder to remove. As weather become warmer and more humid, the smell will become stronger. To prevent this from happening, it is recommended that you have an extra sweep in addition to your annual sweep and inspection. One should be done after burning season to remove anything that built up over the winter months, but the second should be done after summer to remove anything natural that may have made its way into your chimney.

Mold is another reason that a chimney or any other part of your home will smell. Chimney mold is built when there is a crack in the structure or a piece of the chimney is not in working order. Your Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) certified professional will be able to spot these things during your inspection. Mold can grow in as little as one to two days, so if you see a leak or something suspicious, call for help. One way to reduce water troubles is by having the technicians put a waterproof sealant on the outside of the chimney. This is especially recommended if you live in a wet area.

How do you properly prepare for a sweep?

Here is a simple checklist to make sure your home is ready for its examination:

• Do not burn a fire for more than 24 hours before your sweep.
• Move valuables’ and furniture away from the fireplace.
• Lock pets away in a spare room for safety