Chimney Sweeps & Inspections In Manchester NH
As one of New England's oldest and most attractive cities, Manchester, New Hampshire, has a rich architectural heritage. Many homes throughout the Hillsborough County area still feature their original wood-burning fireplaces and masonry chimneys. When the long, frigid winter months arrive, residents across south-central New Hampshire fire up their wood-burning fireplaces and stoves to create a cozy respite from the bitter cold. To help prevent devastating chimney fires and reduce other health and safety hazards, Fire 'N Stone provides essential professional chimney sweeping and inspection services throughout Manchester and the surrounding Hillsborough County areas.
Why You Need A Certified Chimney Sweep in Manchester, NH
Neglecting chimney maintenance can have severe consequences for your home. When wood burns, it releases gases and particles that form creosote, a highly flammable substance that accumulates on the inner walls of your chimney flue. If this buildup is not removed with professional chimney sweeping, it can ignite and lead to a dangerous chimney fire. Recently, a fire that started in a wood stove rapidly spread to the chimney, consuming the entire property in flames. It took several dozen firefighters in New Hampshire to extinguish the fire, using 200,000 gallons of water, but the home was ultimately a total loss.
Our CSIA-certified chimney sweeps perform chimney inspections and cleaning to identify and correct any chimney, venting, or appliance issues that could pose a fire or health risk.
Professional Chimney Inspection
Fire safety professionals recommend having a professional chimney inspection annually, preferably before the arrival of cooler weather. Fire 'N Stone's certified chimney sweeps conduct thorough evaluations per National Fire Protection Association (NFPA-211) standards and codes to assess the overall condition and integrity of your entire chimney system. This service includes:
- Interior/Exterior visual inspection to check for signs of masonry damage.
- Using a video camera to examine the chimney liner for cracks or deterioration.
- Checking for blockages caused by creosote, debris, or animal nests.
- Inspecting the chimney crown, cap, and flashing for damage, and ensuring proper ventilation.
- Ensuring compliance with local building codes.
Expert Chimney Cleaning
A clean chimney is a safe chimney! While winter is a festive season for families celebrating the holidays, it is also marked by tragedies due to the numerous chimney fires that result in the loss of a home, injuries, and even deaths. The primary goal of a professional chimney sweep is to prevent fires. Our trained sweeps use specialized tools and equipment to thoroughly remove creosote, soot, and any blockages from your chimney flue. A clean chimney allows for better airflow, resulting in a more complete burn and less smoke in your living space.
Signs Your Chimney Needs Sweeping
If you use your fireplace or wood stove frequently, as many folks in New Hampshire do, your chimney may need sweeping more than once a year. It's essential to recognize the signs that indicate it's time to hire a professional chimney sweep. Watch out for:
- A strong, persistent smoky odor emanates from your fireplace, even when it is not in use. It can indicate dangerous creosote buildup.
- Difficulty lighting or maintaining a fire in your fireplace or stove, resulting in poor draft due to blockages in the flue or connector pipe.
- Excessive smoke is entering the room rather than going up the chimney.
- Black residue or soot flakes falling into your fireplace from the flue.
- Visible creosote buildup on the walls of the firebox or the damper. Creosote typically appears as a flaky, tar-like, or glazed substance.
Professional Chimney Sweeping & Inspection in Manchester NH
Our number one priority is fire prevention! Since the majority of chimney fires in Manchester and the surrounding areas occur in December, it's essential to schedule a professional chimney inspection and sweeping before the busy winter season begins. We are committed to providing inspections and cleaning of your chimney, vents, and attached heating appliances in strict accordance with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Rule 211 Standards and Codes. As a locally owned and operated business with over a decade of experience, Fire 'N Stone is proud to serve residents throughout the Manchester and Hillsborough County area with expert chimney sweeping and inspections. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with a professional chimney sweep.
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