In America’s heartland, we’re accustomed to winters defined by bitter chill, complete with heavy snow and persistent wind. But that doesn’t mean we don’t feel the need to warm ourselves amid such conditions! Indeed, a fireplace or heating stove can be like a friend to us during winter. Because of that, we must be sure to give our fireplaces and stoves the maintenance that they need. Midtown Chimney Sweeps of Cedar Rapids is right in your area to get the job done!
Cleaning the Fireplaces and Chimneys of Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Why Is Chimney Cleaning Important in Iowa?
The answer to this question applies everywhere in which people use chimneys. You feel warm and cozy as you burn wood in your fireplace, but you should know that the burning causes creosote (also referred to as “soot”) to build up in the chimney. If too much of too much of that potentially flammable material collects, a chimney fire could begin.
What Are the Chimney Inspection Regulations?
Homeowners need to be aware of regulations that have been arranged by both the National Fireplace Protection Association (NFPA) and the manufacturers behind fireplaces and stoves. The first regulation to know is that masonry fireplaces and factory-built fireplaces ought to be swept out when the soot become 1/8 of an inch deep. The second regulation to know is that pellet and wood stoves should be swept no less than once every year. When these regulations aren’t followed, the manufacturers usually don’t honor product warranties.
How Often Do a Fireplace and Chimney Need to Be Cleaned?
No matter how frequently you use your fireplace and chimney, you should have them swept yearly. According to the NFPA’s Regulation 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.
Even if you rarely use your fireplace and chimney, you should have them inspected to make sure that they haven’t fallen into disrepair.
How Midtown Chimney Sweeps of Cedar Rapids Cleans Chimneys
Our Tools Are Among the Best in the Hearth Industry
Safe to use on both hard surfaces and carpet, our HEPA centrifugal gravity dust-extractor vacuum can remove soot and ash in a single pass while leaving the air clean. Our quiet, triple-filtration vacuum is made in Germany and unmatched in the industry.
Types of Inspections We Offer
Your annual inspection is most often a Level I inspection – a thorough visual scan over the external parts of the fireplace. Level II is required for new homeowners, property managers when property changes ownership, and realtors. This is a combination of a visual scan and a live video scan to inspect for damage or debris inside the chimney.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa Dryer Vent Maintenance
Why Is Dryer Vent Cleaning Important?
Your dryer blows a lot of debris, such as lint and pet hair, into the dryer vent every time you dry your clothes. This accumulation of lint, combined with high heat electric elements, can cause a fire if not cleaned out regularly.
How Often Should the Dryer Vent Be Cleaned?Â
Your dryer vent should be cleaned once a year. The area surrounding the vent and all the hook-ups should be inspected for damage every 6 months. Tiny holes may develop in the flexible connector behind the dryer, which would cause dust or carbon monoxide to enter your residence. Flexible connectors made of plastic are not code-approved; they must be replaced with semi-rigid aluminum connectors or some comparable type of UL-listed product.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa faces much cold during the winter. But that doesn’t mean residents can’t ensure the chance to safely and comfortably warm themselves! Let the experts at Midtown Chimney Sweeps of Cedar Rapids keep your wood-burning fireplace, gas-burning fireplace, wood-burning stove, pellet-burning stove, or dryer vent in wonderful shape!
Proudly Serving These Iowa Cities
We’re enthusiastic about serving the residents of Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Marion, Robins, Hiawatha, Fairfax, Covington, Urbana, Center Point, Â Alburnett, Central City, Martelle, Mt. Vernon, Sutliff, North Liberty, Walford, Homestead, Shellsburg, Blairstown, and Keystone!
