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One of the best things is curling up in front of the fireplace! When it comes to caring for your fireplace, let the experts at The Original Chimney Sweep of Cape Town handle the job. Our number is 021 556 4328. Give us a call.
Why is chimney cleaning important? It is important because a substance known as creosote builds up in the chimney or flue of a fireplace or stove. This substance is flammable, and if not cleaned out regularly, soot and creosote can provide the fuel required to support a fire in the flue of the chimney. The Original Chimney Sweep takes care of this by cleaning out of the creosote, so that you can enjoy your fireplace at its best. How often does a fireplace need to be cleaned? It is recommended to have your chimney or wood-burning stove swept annually. Even if you only use your fireplace a few times a year, things such as rain and cold conditions can damage the chimney, flue, or damper, resulting in poor performance. Pizza ovens and thatch roof houses are required to be cleaned every 3 months. Our Original Chimney Sweep Tools Are Among the Best in the Trade. |
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BASIC FIREPLACE SAFETY
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FAST FACTS ABOUT CREOSOTE BUILD UP
As the creosote and soot builds up in your flue the entire fire stops operating like it should. Your fire will produce less heat and you may get smoke and gases entering the room.
Aside from this if you don’t regularly get your chimney cleaned, your flue system will not last as long. This is due to some of the corrosive chemicals present in the creosote and soot and the fact that any moisture is trapped against the side of the flue. This will prematurely corrode the entire flue system.
As the creosote and soot builds up in your flue the entire fire stops operating like it should. Your fire will produce less heat and you may get smoke and gases entering the room.
Aside from this if you don’t regularly get your chimney cleaned, your flue system will not last as long. This is due to some of the corrosive chemicals present in the creosote and soot and the fact that any moisture is trapped against the side of the flue. This will prematurely corrode the entire flue system.
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If your chimney is not swept regulary then smoke and gases begin to enter the room. This may only be small amounts to begin with but you and your family will still be breathing it in. As the flue gets more clogged the amount of gas and smoke entering the room will increase and can make living in the house quite dangerous. In addition to this the smoke causes discoloration to the paint on the ceilings.
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THE IMPORTANCE OF A SPARK ARRESTOR AND WHY YOU SHOULD HAVE ONE
Some people know what a spark arrestor is. However, since today’s spark arrestors are normally combined with a chimney cowl, that also has a screen to keep critters and debris out of the flue, the term seems to get lost in translation. That’s too bad because a spark arrestor can potentially save your house from a fire and you should know exactly what it does. Especially important if you have a thatch roof.
The definition that is in Wikipedia says this:
“A spark arrestor is any device which prevents the emission of flammable debris from combustion sources, such as internal combustion engines, fireplaces, and wood burning stoves. Spark arrestors play a critical role in the prevention of veld fire and ignition of explosive atmospheres. As such, their use is required by law in many countries worldwide.”
Specifically for buildings, Wikipedia says this:
“Spark arrestors are also fitted to the top of a flue (or a chimney pot) to prevent floating embers from a fire (particularly one burning wood) setting light to a flammable roofing surface (shingle, thatch, or bitumen-felt) or falling onto combustible material on the ground. Such a spark arrestor typically consists of a double layer of metal mesh, which catches the ember and allows the flue gas to escape.”
As you can see, making sure that your chimney system is equipped with a spark arrestor is essential in the protection of your home. That is why you need to make sure when you speak to your chimney professional that they understand you want a chimney cap that is also rated as a spark arrestor. This will include a mesh screen that will keep flying sparks from getting out of the chimney and landing on the roof.
The great thing about these types of caps is they will also keep debris and unwanted animals out of the flue, along with protecting the system from rain entering. Making sure you understand why these items are really a necessity and not just add on features is very important to the overall safety of your family.
Some people know what a spark arrestor is. However, since today’s spark arrestors are normally combined with a chimney cowl, that also has a screen to keep critters and debris out of the flue, the term seems to get lost in translation. That’s too bad because a spark arrestor can potentially save your house from a fire and you should know exactly what it does. Especially important if you have a thatch roof.
The definition that is in Wikipedia says this:
“A spark arrestor is any device which prevents the emission of flammable debris from combustion sources, such as internal combustion engines, fireplaces, and wood burning stoves. Spark arrestors play a critical role in the prevention of veld fire and ignition of explosive atmospheres. As such, their use is required by law in many countries worldwide.”
Specifically for buildings, Wikipedia says this:
“Spark arrestors are also fitted to the top of a flue (or a chimney pot) to prevent floating embers from a fire (particularly one burning wood) setting light to a flammable roofing surface (shingle, thatch, or bitumen-felt) or falling onto combustible material on the ground. Such a spark arrestor typically consists of a double layer of metal mesh, which catches the ember and allows the flue gas to escape.”
As you can see, making sure that your chimney system is equipped with a spark arrestor is essential in the protection of your home. That is why you need to make sure when you speak to your chimney professional that they understand you want a chimney cap that is also rated as a spark arrestor. This will include a mesh screen that will keep flying sparks from getting out of the chimney and landing on the roof.
The great thing about these types of caps is they will also keep debris and unwanted animals out of the flue, along with protecting the system from rain entering. Making sure you understand why these items are really a necessity and not just add on features is very important to the overall safety of your family.
Bird prevention:
The best way to deal with birds in the chimney is to keep them out in the first place! Your chimney should be outfitted with a standard Turbo cowl. Not only do chimney cowls keep water from flowing down the flue of your chimney and causing damage, they also stop birds and animals from coming into your chimney, either by accident or while searching for nesting spots.
If you have a bird in your chimney, or if you’d like to keep birds out with a chimney cap, call The Original Chimney Sweep Cape Town. We can help you deal with the aftermath of nesting birds or install a chimney cowl to prevent birds from entering the chimney. The mesh wire welding within is an added extra feature that will be quoted upon.
We also remove birds nests and birds in the chimney.
The best way to deal with birds in the chimney is to keep them out in the first place! Your chimney should be outfitted with a standard Turbo cowl. Not only do chimney cowls keep water from flowing down the flue of your chimney and causing damage, they also stop birds and animals from coming into your chimney, either by accident or while searching for nesting spots.
If you have a bird in your chimney, or if you’d like to keep birds out with a chimney cap, call The Original Chimney Sweep Cape Town. We can help you deal with the aftermath of nesting birds or install a chimney cowl to prevent birds from entering the chimney. The mesh wire welding within is an added extra feature that will be quoted upon.
We also remove birds nests and birds in the chimney.
Cancellation Policy:
At the Original Chimney Sweep we are committed to providing our customers with exceptional service. When customers cancel appointments without notice they prevent other sweeps from being carried out during that time.
We will now require a written notification emailed to ian@chimneysweeps.co.za 48 Hours prior to your appointment or we will charge a 50% cancellation fee.
Please do not leave voicemails or whatsapp messages as we do not have one activated only a email will be accepted for cancellation.
At the Original Chimney Sweep we are committed to providing our customers with exceptional service. When customers cancel appointments without notice they prevent other sweeps from being carried out during that time.
We will now require a written notification emailed to ian@chimneysweeps.co.za 48 Hours prior to your appointment or we will charge a 50% cancellation fee.
Please do not leave voicemails or whatsapp messages as we do not have one activated only a email will be accepted for cancellation.
Areas we cover:
Rondebosch | Pinelands | Thornton | Observatory | Woodstock | Zonnebloem | Walmer Estate | Devils Peak |Vredehoek | Oranjezicht | Higgovale | Gardens | Tamboerskloof | Rosebank | Newlands | Kenilworth | Harfield | Claremont | Wynberg | Plumstead | Bishopscourt | Constantia | Diepriver | Bergvliet | Tokai | Heathfield | Lakeside | Muizenberg | Fish hoek | Kalk Bay | Simons Town |Murdock Valley | Glencairn | Welcome Glen | Da Gama Park || Noordhoek | Clovelly | Hout Bay | Sunnydale | Camps Bay | Llandudno | Bantry Bay | Clifton |Fresnaye | Sea Point | Milnerton | Flamingo Vlei | Bloubergstrand | Parklands | Parklands North | Sunningdale | Riverside | Atlantic Beach | Melkbos | Langebaan | Durbanville | Plattekloof | Edgemead | Burgandy Estate | Monte Vista | Panorama | Bellville | Parow | Goodwood | Kuilsriver | Paarl | Stellenbosch | Strand | Somerset West are among many of the areas we cover.
We also cover Greyton | Bettys Bay | Rooi Els | Hermanus | Napier | Grabouw | Bredasdorp | Pringle Bay | Wellington | Riebeek | Riebeek Wes | Mcgregor
We also cover pizza ovens, industrial ovens and coffee roasting companies around the Western Cape,
Rondebosch | Pinelands | Thornton | Observatory | Woodstock | Zonnebloem | Walmer Estate | Devils Peak |Vredehoek | Oranjezicht | Higgovale | Gardens | Tamboerskloof | Rosebank | Newlands | Kenilworth | Harfield | Claremont | Wynberg | Plumstead | Bishopscourt | Constantia | Diepriver | Bergvliet | Tokai | Heathfield | Lakeside | Muizenberg | Fish hoek | Kalk Bay | Simons Town |Murdock Valley | Glencairn | Welcome Glen | Da Gama Park || Noordhoek | Clovelly | Hout Bay | Sunnydale | Camps Bay | Llandudno | Bantry Bay | Clifton |Fresnaye | Sea Point | Milnerton | Flamingo Vlei | Bloubergstrand | Parklands | Parklands North | Sunningdale | Riverside | Atlantic Beach | Melkbos | Langebaan | Durbanville | Plattekloof | Edgemead | Burgandy Estate | Monte Vista | Panorama | Bellville | Parow | Goodwood | Kuilsriver | Paarl | Stellenbosch | Strand | Somerset West are among many of the areas we cover.
We also cover Greyton | Bettys Bay | Rooi Els | Hermanus | Napier | Grabouw | Bredasdorp | Pringle Bay | Wellington | Riebeek | Riebeek Wes | Mcgregor
We also cover pizza ovens, industrial ovens and coffee roasting companies around the Western Cape,