Greensboro, North Carolina is home to thousands of employees TIMCO Aerosystems division, the company provides fully integrated aircraft interiors designs like airplane seats, galleys and lavatories. When these folks come home on a winter day, they likely want to warm themselves- that is why Midtown Chimney Sweeps of the Piedmont, specifically, of Greensboro, is here to clean chimneys, inspect flues, and ensure that smoke and gasses go up the chimney the way they are supposed to! Boasting nearly 270,000 people inside our City of Greensboro borders, we are a Tournament Town (so called for our many sports tournaments that we hold regularly). Our slice of heaven in North Carolina is situated halfway between the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains to the west and the Atlantic beaches and Outer Banks to the east. We may only get a dusting and sometimes a few inches of snow in a given winter storm, but anytime it is below 40 degrees F it is time for a fire in the fireplace. And that means time to get the annual chimney inspection!
Fireplace and Chimney Cleaning Needs in Greater Greensboro, 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 (if too much accumulates) it could cause a chimney fire.
What are the statistics for Home Fires?
The following is taken directly from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Home Fires Involving Heating Equipment Report, October, 2018.
Heating equipment is a leading cause of fires in U.S. homes. Heating equipment was responsible for 15% of home structure fires in 2012-2016, ranking as the second leading cause behind fires caused by cooking equipment. Home heating equipment fires also accounted for nearly one-fifth (19%) of civilian deaths (tied for third behind fires caused by smoking materials and cooking equipment), 12% of civilian injuries (second behind cooking equipment), and 16% of direct property damage (third behind electrical distribution and lighting equipment and cooking equipment).
What Are the Chimney Inspection Regulations?
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 Greensboro, 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!
Certified and Insured Professionals Cleaning Your Chimney
All our technicians are CCP-certified (Certified Chimney Professionals, a national credential for chimney sweeps) and are required to carry both business automotive and general liability insurance. We choose only workers who can uphold the highest degree of professionalism and courtesy. We will make sure the service was up to par by giving you a customer service email request for a review after the job.
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 Greensboro, 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 Greensboro, 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.
