Integrity Heating Services

We suggest that the chimney be swept after every cord of wood (Generally once per season unless the chimney is used quiet frequently) Chimneys need to be cleaned because of creosote which is formed as a result of cresols and phenol compounds which are released when wood is burned. Creosote condenses on chimney walls and builds over time. This compound is flamable and it becomes more dangerous as it builds up over time. Chimney fires can be relatively harmless if there is very little creosote build up but if there is a significate amount of creosote residue it can be very difficult to put out which is why many chimney fires just have to burn out. This is a very helpless feeling watching a chimney fire which can crack or damage the interior liner resulting in a house fire. This is easliy averted with annual cleanings..