Unblocking Your Flue
If you suspect that the flue liner in your chimney may be clogged, there are some warning signals that you should keep an eye out for. If you pay attention to these warning signs, you may reduce the risk of experiencing expensive losses and reduce the likelihood of a fire breaking out in your house. Among the symptoms of a clogged chimney and its flue liner are the following:
-An overpowering odor of smoke during the course of the fire
-A white residue on the inside walls of the flue liner
-Damage caused by water seepage
-Debris that is dropping toward the foundation of the fireplace
A chimney fire is a serious risk if the flue is obstructed in any way. On occasion, chimney fires are accompanied by tremendous reverberating noises, while on other occasions, the only indication of their presence is the appearance of flames emerging from the top of the chimney. Toxic levels of carbon monoxide can also be produced when there is a blockage in the flue liner of the chimney. Carbon monoxide may be lethal to both people and animals if it is present in a dwelling where it is being used.
How to Clear Out the Clog in Your Flue Liner
Even while you can clear the obstruction in the flue liner on your own, it’s probably a good idea to call in a pro. You can unblock your flue liner as a do-it-yourself project in just a few hours, but before you start, make sure you have all of the necessary equipment and that you are familiar with the process.
If you do decide to carry out this project, the following materials will be required of you:
-An extension ladder -A headlight or flashlight
-Protective clothing and equipment, including goggles, gloves, a mask, and long sleeves
-A broom and several types of cleaning brushes that are designed for use on the interior of the chimney. -Protective sheets and drop cloths.
First, Conduct Cleaning Efforts from Above
To reach the chimney cap without risking your safety, prop up your ladder against the wall of your home. Then climb up onto the roof. It is of the utmost importance that you carry out this process with caution and verify that the ladder is secure against the ground. It is also advisable that you have a friend or family member spot you while you are ascending the ladder and making your way onto the roof in order to complete this phase of the process of unclogging your flue liner.
Remove the chimney cap while protecting your eyes, hands, and face using protective eyewear, gloves, and a mask. The cap ought should come off with only a little amount of effort being exerted on it. Scrub the top of the chimney with a stiff brush to remove any material that may have accumulated there. Utilizing a flashlight, you should now do an inspection of the interior of the chimney. Make use of your chimney brush to clear out the upper area of the chimney by either pushing or dragging the debris out with your brush.
When you are completed, you should replace the cap on the chimney.
The second step is cleaning from underneath.
Once you have down the ladder and are safely back on the ground, it is time to repeat the cleaning procedure, but this time you will begin at the base of the chimney. You’ll need to head back inside the house in order to complete this task.
Because there is a chance that this phase will result in a mess, you will want to lay down as many coverings and drop cloths as possible around the space. Because soot is difficult to control, you should make sure that you have a vacuum handy to collect the material that has accumulated.
Make use of your flashlight to investigate the flue liner and identify the areas that are impacted by debris and obstructions. Use the wire brush you have to clear out the chimney completely, making sure there are no obstructions left. When you’re done, any debris that falls will end up on the floor of the fireplace; pick it up when you’re done. When lighting a fire, if you continue to notice the signs of a blocked flue liner, you may wish to seek the aid of a chimney sweep who has earned their certification.
Better to be safe than sorry. Let the experts handle your chimney troubles like Chimney Cleaning Garden Valley and repairing. Call Local Chimney Sweep Cleaning today.