When looking for products for your chimney, coming across chimney sweeping logs may seem too good to be true. The cleaning process for fireplaces can be extensive and the idea of simply putting a log on the fire and letting it do all the work is idyllic. Do not let the name fool you, though. These logs, while not hazardous to your chimney, cannot replace an annual inspection and cleaning done by a professional.
CSIA Professional Outlook
A professional certified with the CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) offers insight into what your unique fireplace needs are and can ensure that your home and family will be safe throughout your burning season. With their guidance and help, you can rest assured knowing that certain things will be taken care of. The CSIA promises the following in their inspections.
- A thorough and complete assessment. This is much-needed for any homeowner with a fireplace, as insight can be offered as to how efficiently or inefficiently your chimney might be running. If something is not as it should be, a CSIA professional can advise accordingly as to what should be done to remedy the situation.
- Repairs. Someone who is CSIA certified will know how to repair any damages or deterioration within your chimney. If these problems go unnoticed or unfixed for a long enough period of time, you could end up with even bigger (and more costly) issues.
- A proper cleaning. A certified professional will be able to thoroughly clean out any debris and creosote from your chimney. Without the removal of these substances, you could increase the risk of fires within your home. This debris might also block up some much-needed pathways for proper air circulation. Without these pathways, smoke would build-up and attempt to come back out through the fireplace opening and into your home. The CSIA trains people on the correct cleaning procedures, as well as what chemicals and products are safe to use on fireplaces and chimneys.
Chimney Sweeping Logs are not Sufficient
As noted above, a certified professional can do many things to ensure that your chimney is healthy and that your family will be safe to use it throughout the burning season. Chimney sweeping logs simply do not offer the services that a professional would. They cannot remove debris, they cannot advise, and they cannot inspect for any potential hazards you might be facing.
By passing up your annual cleaning, you are increasing your risk of potential fires, putting your family and home at risk. On top of that, you are encouraging smoke to enter your home, as well as other hazardous materials that can cause allergies and other health-related issues. The appearance of your chimney will suffer, as well. Without a yearly check-up, cracks and discoloration could occur, leaving you will more costly fixes down the road.
