In Fort Collins, the winters not only are harsh and cold, but also include an abundance of snow. Amid such conditions, there’s nothing like a nice evening by the fireplace. (Just imagine yourself feeling warm and cozy.) When you need to make sure that your fireplace is ready to use, look no further for inspections and maintenance than Midtown Chimney Sweeps of Fort Collins, Colorado.

How Midtown Chimney Cleaning in Fort Collins, Colorado Cleans Chimneys

Why Is Chimney Cleaning Important in Fort Collins, Colorado?

Cleaning out your chimney helps to get rid of the creosote and soot that accumulates from burning wood. This is a natural byproduct of wood combustion.  Soot can be flammable at high temperatures, and can cause a fire if too much accumulates.

What Are the Chimney Inspection Regulations for Fort Collins, Colorado?

Depending on whether you own a masonry fireplace, gas fireplace, factory-built fireplace, wood stove, bio-fuel pellet stove, or gas stove, the regulations could be different. The general recommendations according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and manufacturers are as follows: bio-fuel pellet and wood stoves should be cleaned annually; masonry and factory built fireplaces should be cleaned when the soot is 1/8”. Many manufacturers will not honor warranties if these regulations are not followed. Inspect your chimney annually with a Qualified Technician.

How Often Should You Have Your Fireplace Cleaned?

Annually. According to the National Fire Protection Association Document 211, “Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary.” That is the code. Even if your fireplace is used infrequently, annual inspections are recommended. Rare use can often be dangerous because it may not be immediately noticeable if the fireplace has fallen into disrepair.

Midtown Chimney Sweeps of Fort Collins Cleans Chimneys… Let’s See How

Our Tools Are Among the Best in the Trade

We proudly use a unique German machine called a HEPA dust-extractor vacuum. It removes soot and ash in a single pass with a triple-filtration system and leaves the air particulate-free. It’s quiet and safe to use on both hard surfaces and carpet. We actually enjoy seeing customer’s faces when we show it to them – they think it is from outer space

Types of Chimney Inspections

There are two levels of inspections that we commonly offer. The first, Level I, is a thorough visual inspection of the external aspects of the fireplace or stove. This is usually adequate for the annual inspection. Level II is required by the NFPA 211 for new homeowners, realtors, and property managers, when the ownership of the residence changes. It includes the visual scan, as well as a live video scan of the interior parts of the fireplace which look for debris, build-up and damage. You will be asked on the phone which level you require, and our technicians will confirm it again with you upon arrival!

Maintaining the Dryer Vents of Fort Collins

Why Is Dryer Vent Cleaning Important in Fort Collins, Colorado?

The vent on your dryer is a point of accumulation of things like lint and pet hair that get blown out by the appliance every time you use it. These fibers come from your clothing. This build up can cause a fire when the debris and high-heat electrical elements come into contact due to a backed up system. So, basically, annual maintenance is your best friend here again!

How Often Should the Dryer Vent Be Cleaned?

The area around the dryer and dryer vent itself should be inspected every 6 months for damage, and the actual vent should be cleaned out every year. The damage that typically develops involves tiny holes in the flexible connector behind the dryer which allow dust or monoxide to enter the residence. Not a good thing. Our technicians will also ensure that your flexible connectors are up to code, removing any plastic ones and replacing them with semi-rigid aluminum pieces (or a similar type of UL-listed product) at a reasonable cost to you.

Let the friendly, knowledgeable experts at Midtown Chimney Sweeps of Fort Collins, Colorado take care of all your chimney sweeping, stove cleaning, and dryer vent maintenance needs!