Monroe – Charlotte – Huntersville, North Carolina is home to The Catawba Native American indians were the first known tribe to settle Mecklenburg County, now the Charlotte area, and were first recorded around 1567 in Spanish records. Catawbas were warriors but willing to be friends to the newcomers from Europe. That gives our town a rich history of friendliness and diversity of peoples. A record which we appreciate to this day as we invite in people from around the world to work in our businesses and enjoy our parks. A few of our most notable businesses are Microsoft’s east coast headquarters, and the giant Bank of America. Our most notable zoo is the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, and we are home to the Billy Graham Museum. The Carolina Panthers are our NFL team, and the Charlotte Hornets our NBA team! We have a cool climate but not too cold. We have hot summers with some intense humidity. But when it is winter, there is no place like being next to our warm fireplaces sipping hot cocoa!
Fireplace and Chimney Cleaning Needs in Greater Monroe – Charlotte – Huntersville, North Carolina
Why Is Chimney Cleaning Important?
A primary reason for cleaning a chimney is to clear away the creosote that builds up inside. Soot or creosote is a substance which is highly flammable and might cause a chimney fire in some cases. So we clean chimneys regularly, a) to ensure a proper draft and flow, and b) to ensure safety by regular inspections.
What Are the Chimney Inspection Regulations?
There is a national standard for fireplaces chimneys and vents. The NFPA and fireplace manufacturers recommend that wood and bio-fuel pellet stoves get swept clean every year. Masonry and factory-built fireplaces should be cleaned when the soot level reaches 1/8”. These regulations must be followed in order for most manufacturers to honor their warranties.
The NFPA 211 indicates:
“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.” This is stated by Document 211 of the NFPA. Even if you seldom use your fireplace, an annual inspection can help prevent serious damage if your fireplace has fallen into disrepair.
And an annual cleaning will help you get to know your fireplace more!
How May I check if my Fireplace Needs to Be Cleaned?
You may take a flashlight and look up your chimney, having opened the damper you will see up towards the first flue tile. If you have a masonry chimney, or the first section of factory built chimney if you have a factory built fireplace. Examine to see if you have an 1/8″ build up or more of black soft soot. Be alarmed if you have a glassy or tar-like substance, this is second and third stage creosote and is very difficult to remove. In fact chemical agents will be required.
How Midtown Chimney Sweeps Cleans Chimneys in Greater Monroe – Charlotte – Huntersville, NC
Use of the Best Tools in the Hearth Industry Trade
Our HEPA dust-extractor vacuum is safe to use on both carpet and hard surfaces. It sucks away dust and debris in a single pass using triple-filtration, leaving the air particulate-free. It is a very quiet device that’s made in Germany and unsurpassed in the chimney industry. If it takes importing cool stuff from Germany to clean chimneys in North Carolina, we will do it!
Types of Fireplace Inspections
The two levels of inspections are as follows: Level I is a thorough visual scan of the external parts of the stove or fireplace, which satisfies the annual regulation inspection. Level II, which is required by the NFPA 211 for property managers (when ownership changes), realtors, and new homeowners, combines the external inspection with a live-video scan of interiors. The technician will use the video feed to look for damage and debris buildup inside the chimney. These inspection types are not just nationwide, they are accepted in North Carolina because they are nationwide.
Dryer Vent Maintenance in Monroe -Charlotte – Huntersville, North Carolina
Why Is Dryer Vent Cleaning Important Here in The Piedmont?
Unfortunately, it is possible for debris (such as lint and pet hair) to accumulate in your clothes dryer vent. The accumulation of debris and the high electrical heat can be a bad combination and cause a fire if the vent isn’t cleaned regularly and the clothes dryer overheats.
How Often Should Your Clothes Dryer Vent Be Cleaned in North Carolina?
Well, with the same frequency as other states- annually!
Once a year is typically sufficient for cleaning the dryer vent, but the area around the vent should be checked every 6 months to be sure there’s no damage to the flex connector. Very small holes can form in the flexible connector (which is behind the dryer) and cause dust or carbon monoxide to leak in. Additionally, many homes have outdated plastic flexible connectors that are not up to code and must be replaced.
For all your chimney sweeping and dryer vent cleaning needs, choose Midtown Chimney Sweeps right here in Monroe – Charlotte – Huntersville, North Carolina. We will make sure that your wood or gas-burning fireplace, wood or pellet-burning stove, or clothes dryer vent is in tip-top shape.
