Here in the Chicago area, we have been seeing and hearing the first signs of spring: the birds chirping, the flowers blooming, the sun shining. To many people, spring is the season for cleaning and maintaining your home. The new signs of rebirth that come with spring make many of us want to ensure our homes are clean with properly working systems. One of these systems involves your chimney, and it makes sense to include the cleaning of your fireplace and chimney along with your other spring cleaning tasks. And, since professional chimney sweeps like our Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)-certified chimney sweeps at Aelite Chimney Specialties will be the ones who actually clean your chimney, the only thing you as the homeowner has to do is schedule the time for us to sweep your chimney. The CSIA, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and other national fire safety organizations all recommend that you have your chimney professionally swept and inspected at least once a year, and we would like to tell you more about why this chimney maintenance service is recommended and what you can inspect from a visit from the sweeps at Aelite Chimney Specialties. 
Why do I need my chimney professionally swept and inspected every year?
As the CSIA clearly states, dirty chimneys cause chimney fires. Creosote, a natural residue that forms during the combustion process of burning wood, is extremely flammable. After a long winter of using your fireplace every day, the amount of creosote accumulation inside your chimney can be dangerous. When Aelite Chimney Specialties sweeps your chimney, our CSIA-certified sweeps will be sure to remove every bit of creosote that has stuck to the walls of your chimney. After your chimney has been cleaned, our sweeps will inspect your chimney to look for damage that should be repaired to be sure your chimney is safe to use. We will look for blockages that could lead to hazardous situations.
What can I expect from my appointment with Aelite Chimney Specialties?
When our CSIA-certified chimney sweeps arrive to your home to clean and inspect your chimney, we will begin the process by laying down tarps around your fireplace and sealing off the area to protect your home from soot. We do ask that it would be extremely helpful if you can move all the furniture within an eight feet radius of your hearth before we get there. To professionally sweep your chimney, we use rotating brushes on rods and high-powered vacuums to get all of the creosote and soot out of your home. After your chimney has been cleaned, we will inspect the interior and exterior of your chimney to look for any damage or blockages. We will be recording the entire inspection on video, so you will be able to have a copy of the entire inspection. We will also give you a written evaluation once the inspection is finished.
Get started on your spring cleaning routine! If you live around Chicago and Northern Illinois, contact us at Aellite Chimney Specialties to schedule an appointment for your annual professional chimney sweeping and inspection today.