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Fireplace and Chimney Sweeping Needs
Why is chimney cleaning important?
Creosote (also called “soot”) is a byproduct of burning wood that builds up in chimney flues and stoves. (You can recognize the substance because it’s usually black or brown in color.) It’s highly flammable and can lead to a domestic fire if someone doesn’t regularly clean it away. One of our chief missions at Midtown Chimney Sweeps of Dubuque is to prevent chimney fires, which spares homeowners from the risk of personal harm and property damage.
What are the chimney inspection regulations for Dubuque, Iowa?
The answer is actually the same throughout the United States, regardless of whether you own a masonry or brick fireplace, a factory-built fireplace, a wood stove, a bio-fuel pellet stove, or a gas fireplace. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and most fireplace manufacturers agree that pellet and wood stoves should be swept annually. Masonry fireplaces and factory-built fireplaces are recommended to be swept when the buildup of soot measures at least 1/8 of an inch deep. All fireplaces and heating stoves must be inspected once a year. If you don’t comply with these regulations, the manufacturer behind your fireplace or stove will likely refuse to honor the warranty for that product.
How often does a fireplace need cleaning?
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.” It is strongly advised that you have your fireplace checked annually regardless of how often you use it. Even if you only use your fireplace infrequently, it could suffer from other issues such as broken dampers or air shutters that could still cause problems when used. The freeze-thaw cycle of Dubuque, Iowa takes a heavy toll on brick fireplaces and chimneys, and Midtown Chimney Sweeps can identify and correct these issues for you.
How Midtown Chimney Sweeps of Dubuque, Iowa Cleans Chimneys
Our Tools Are Among the Best In the Trade
One tool we use is our HEPA centrifugal-gravity, dust-extractor, triple-filtration vacuum. It is a unique German-made machine that removes soot and ash in a single pass, while leaving the air particulate-free and not making much noise. It’s safe to use on hard surfaces, as well as carpet, and is unmatched in the industry. We are proud of it!
Types of Inspections
There are three level of inspection recognized nationally, and two levels of inspections that we offer regularly. Level I satisfies most annual inspections and is a thorough visual inspection of the chimney, or stove, and adjoining connector pipe; Level II combines the visual inspection with a live video scan of the inside of the chimney in order to inspect for damage and build up. Level II is required by the NFPA 211 for new homeowners, realtors, and property managers when ownership of a residence changes.
Dubuque’s Service of Choice for Dryer Vent Maintenance
What is the importance of dryer vent cleaning?
Lint, pet hair, and other fibers steadily accumulate in the vent attached to your dryer as that appliance removes moisture from your clothes. If too much of that material builds up, it can combine with high heat (created by electricity) to start a fire.
How often should the dryer vent be cleaned?
Due to the fact that tiny holes may develop in the flexible connector behind the dryer, every dryer hook-up and the area surrounding it should be assessed for damage every 6 months. You can lean over the dryer and shine a light down there and look. But you cannot see the tiny holes in the flex connector unless you take it outside to the daylight. A good connector pipe will prevent dust or monoxide from entering the residence. Additionally, plastic flexible connectors are not up to code and need to be replaced by semi-rigid aluminum connectors. Lastly, once a year the vent should be cleaned.
Midtown Chimney Sweeps of Dubuque, Iowa is the best choice for trained and courteous staff who treat each and every client like family. We will make sure you can safely warm yourself when the weather gets chilly.
Proudly Serving These Iowa Cities
We feel proud to deliver our expertise and services to Dubuque, Masonville, Asbury, Durango, Delhi, Manchester, Sherrill, Balltown, Buena Vista, Holy Cross, Bankston, New Vienna, Dyersville, Rockville, Petersburg, Delhi, Robinson, and Coggon!
The image above (“Dubuque Iowa Panorama” by SD Dirk) is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
