Is it Important to Clean My Factory-Built Chimney?

A question many homeowners ask their virtual assistants as winter approaches is: “Does my factory-built chimney need cleaning?” There are differences between masonry chimneys and factory-built chimneys, but they do both need to be inspected annually and possibly cleaned each year, as well. The recommendation for annual chimney inspections comes from both major fire safety organizations in the U.S., the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). The NFPA recommends cleaning annually, but CSIA advises homeowners to have their chimneys cleaned when there is 1/8” or more of soot and creosote buildup in the chimney lining. Every year thousands of house fires caused by chimney fires occur and, the majority of them are found to have been avoidable with proper maintenance.

What are Factory-Built Chimneys?

Pre-fabricated or factory-built chimneys make it possible for homeowners to enjoy a fireplace or stove, even if a fireplace and chimney weren’t included in the original architecture of the home. A factory-built chimney is tested with and comes with a factory-built firebox for a fireplace or wood stove. Each component of the heating unit is thoroughly tested in the factory. Very specific installation instructions are included with every factory-built chimney. Those requirements must be adhered to in order to ensure safe and proper function. In addition, insurance requirements usually involve professional installation of factory-built fireplaces, stoves, and chimneys; otherwise, any damage from a fire may not be covered.

Factory-built chimneys are well-insulated and safe for use with the fireboxes they come with, as long as the chimneys are installed correctly and are free of obstructions, such as excess creosote buildup.

Why Does My Pre-Fabricated Chimney Need Cleaning?

Proper maintenance is important for any solid fuel burning appliance in your home, and that includes pre-fab chimneys. The following is more information about how important it is to clean factory-built chimneys:

· Whenever a wood fire is burned in a factory-built appliance, highly flammable creosote and soot are deposited inside the chimney. Most people are aware that this is the case with masonry chimneys but don’t realize it is also an important safety issue in factory-built chimneys, as well. One major threat is the possibility of a dangerous chimney fire, which can lead to a house fire. Another potential hazard is that toxic fumes could enter your home due to obstruction caused by creosote. Carbon monoxide is among the hazardous fumes that can enter your home due to an obstructed chimney. Referred to commonly as “The Silent Killer,” carbon monoxide is invisible, odorless, tasteless, and deadly.

· Cleaning your pre-fab chimney will help to prevent premature corrosion. Combustion byproducts deposited in the chimney are acidic and can therefore corrode the metal that your factory-built chimney is made with. Corrosion can lead to holes and cracks, creating an extremely dangerous situation.

· Your fireplace or stove will work more efficiently when kept clean. Creosote buildup causes restriction of the air flow, which also reduces fireplace or stove efficiency.

Because of the care that goes into the construction of factory-built fireplaces and stoves and the strict testing, you can be confident that they are safe appliances to use, as long as you get the help of chimney professionals to keep the chimney clean. Contact our chimney sweeps at Hudson Valley Chimney today to schedule cleaning of your factory-built chimney. No need to ask your virtual assistant; the phone number locally is (845) 471-1071 and long distance it’s (800) 439-1071.