For Chimney Sweep Services Near You in Durham, NC, Call On Mr. Smokestack
When you need reliable chimney sweep services near you in Durham, NC, Mr. Smokestack is the name to trust. Our experienced team of certified chimney professionals is here to ensure your fireplace and chimney system stay in tip-top shape, so you can use it with peace of mind with every season. From routine chimney sweeps to in-depth fireplace inspections and masonry repairs, we bring top-tier service and a customer-first attitude to every job we do.
Do All Fireplaces Need Annual Chimney Sweepings?
Yes, any fireplace – whether it’s outdoors or indoors, prefab or masonry, wood or gas – should be inspected annually. The one exception is electric fireplace, as these don’t vent like a traditional chimney system.
Why do gas fireplaces need annual inspections?
Even though gas burns cleaner than wood, gas fireplaces can still develop issues over time. Annual inspections help identify blockages from debris or animal nests, ensure proper ventilation, and catch early signs of corrosion or wear. Technicians also check for gas leaks, test components like valves and ignition systems, and confirm everything is working safely and efficiently.
What if I rarely – or never – use my fireplace?
Even if you hardly ever use your fireplace (or never use it), animals, moisture, or debris can find their way in. An inspection can confirm whether damages are present that count affect surrounding structures of your home. For example, a leak in the chimney can lead to lots of interior water damage.
What Is Creosote? How Is It Harmful?
Creosote is a highly flammable, tar-like substance that forms when wood or fossil fuels (like gas or oil) are burned incompletely. As smoke travels up a cool chimney, it condenses and sticks to the inner walls of the flue, creating layers of creosote over time. It can appear as a light flaky dust, a shiny black glaze, or a thick, sticky residue – each more dangerous than the last.
How is creosote harmful?
- Creosote is extremely flammable. In fact, it’s one of the leading causes of chimney fires. When temperatures in the flue get high enough, built-up creosote can ignite and lead to a fast-moving, destructive fire inside the chimney.
- Creosote can invite health risks. Breathing in creosote particles or vapors (especially if it builds up and enters your living space) can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. And long-term exposure has been linked to more serious health issues.
- Creosote can cause structural damage. Over time, creosote can corrode and damage metal chimney liners and even eat away at masonry. It also traps moisture, which can cause bricks to crack and flue tiles to deteriorate.
- Creosote can invite odors into your home. Creosote has a strong, smoky, acrid odor (often compared to tar or burnt wood) that can linger in your home, especially in hot or humid weather.
What Does Creosote Smell Like?
Creosote has a strong, smoky, tar-like odor that’s often described as burnt wood, asphalt, or a campfire smell that lingers. It can be sharp, acrid, and overpowering, especially in larger buildups or in humid conditions when the scent is more noticeable.
Most of the time homeowners will notice a creosote smell when they crank on their A/C in the summer – the negative air pressure pushes the smells down the chimney and into your living space.
If you’re smelling creosote inside your home, especially near the fireplace or chimney, it’s usually a sign that creosote deposits have built up in the chimney liner – and it’s time to schedule a chimney sweeping. Not only is the smell unpleasant, but creosote is also highly flammable and a major cause of chimney fires, so don’t put off this maintenance! We’d be happy to help you out.
Chimney Problems? Book Your Next Sweeping With Us
Don’t wait for chimney issues to become costly or dangerous. If you’re in the Durham area, call on Mr. Smokestack for dependable chimney sweep services before the start of every burn season. We’re proud to serve our local community with honest assessments, expert craftsmanship, and results that last. Schedule your appointment today and experience the difference of working with a trusted local team.