Can a person do their own chimney cleaning? This question covers whether a person can do their own chimney cleaning and what they need to look out for. Every year many homeowners in the United States clean...
Every year many homeowners in the United States clean out their own chimneys. However, our chimney expert, Stewart Rabon, owner of Lone Star Sweeps in Austin, Texas, says many of them are not prepared for the tasks that lie ahead.
"I don't recommend it. It's mainly elbow grease; the thing is it would be wise to have a respirator and something to cover yourself with. The creosote is caustic. If you get it on you you'll notice your skin tingling," Rabon says.
If you decide to go the do-it-yourself route, the website, do it yourself.com, says you need to buy the appropriate materials. You will need proper brush sizes, poles, and ropes. You will need these tools to work the brushes through your chimney. You can buy these products at any home improvement store.
Make sure to use the right size of ladder and one that has durability. Wear protective clothing and shoes that will not slip easily. Purchasing a book on chimney cleaning is a great idea. There will be guidelines you can follow to protect yourself and your home. You can also do some research online. Many chimney experts give their best advice on how to go at it alone.
Rabon says it's imperative that homeowners who decide to clean their own chimneys know the deadly affects of creosote. This is a carcinogenic material. If you or one of your family members comes into contact with it, cancer is a possible result. However, this is totally avoidable if you get a professional cleaner or you clean your chimney out by following strict guidelines.
Creosote is the name used for a variety of products: wood creosote, coal tar creosote, coal tar, coal tar pitch, and coal tar pitch volatiles. These products are mixtures of many chemicals created by high-temperature treatment of woods, coal, or from the resin of the creosote bush. Wood creosote is a colorless to yellowish greasy liquid with a smoky odor and burned taste. Coal tar creosote is a thick, oily liquid that is amber to black in color. Coal tar and coal tar pitch are usually thick, black, or dark-brown liquids or semisolids with a smoky odor.
Rabon says he can spot creosote on the spot.
"Ever notice telephone poles with that black shiny look? Well that's creosote. That's on there to keep it from rotting. Creosote is kind of a gooey, slimy, kind of sticky substance that will burn you. It's also used as a wood preservative," Rabon says.
The right gear and equipment can prevent you from coming into contact with the carcinogenic creosote. In the end, when cleaning out your fireplace, be sure and place the ashes in an airtight container. Even ashes you believe are cool can still retain a high level of heat. It can burn right through paper bags, plastic garbage cans, cardboard boxes, and other similar containers. This can be another fire hazard, and one you can completely avoid by playing it smart.
