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Chimney Sweep Services Near Wildwood, MO: Trust English With Your Fireplace

On the lookout for a local chimney company near you? For chimney sweeping near Wildwood, MO, we’ve got it covered. Call English Sweep today – reach out out by phone or you can book with us online.

Chimney Sweep Near Me: How Does Chimney Sweeping Prevent Chimney Fires?

Chimney sweeping plays a crucial role in fire prevention by removing flammable buildup, such as bird nests, twigs, leaves, and – of course – creosote.

What is creosote? It’s a sticky, tar-like substance that builds up inside the chimney flue as a wood is burned. Creosote forms in layers and becomes increasingly flammable over time, if left unchecked. A stray spark or high heat can ignite it, leading to a dangerous chimney fire.

While creosote is a major concern for wood-burning fireplaces, other fuel types can also pose risks. Gas fireplaces produce soot and carbon buildup, which can obstruct the chimney and lead to overheating.

All in all, a clean chimney – no matter the fuel type – allows smoke and gases to exit efficiently, ensuring that the flue remains clear and functions as designed.

During a sweeping, professionals also inspect the chimney for cracks, loose bricks, or deteriorating mortar. Catching these issues early helps homeowners address necessary repairs before they turn into fire hazards.

original square digital graphic with a white background and a dark blue border at the bottom. At the top left is a logo for "ENGLISH SWEEP" featuring a cartoon chimney sweep in a black suit and top hat, holding a chimney brush. Next to the logo is the text "Fireplace Q&A" in bold, black letters. Below the logo and title is a white rectangle with rounded corners, resembling a search bar. Inside the rectangle is a magnifying glass icon on the left, and a microphone icon on the right. In the center, the text reads: "What is creosote? How does chimney sweeping prevent fires?" Below the search bar is a large dark blue rectangle. Inside this rectangle is white text that reads: "Creosote is a sticky, tar-like substance that builds up inside the chimney flue as wood burns, becoming highly flammable over time. Chimney sweeping removes creosote, soot, and other buildup, reducing the risk of chimney fires and ensuring proper venting of smoke and gases. Additionally, professionals can inspect for structural issues, helping to catch potential fire hazards before they worsen."

Can a Dirty Chimney Cause Carbon Monoxide Buildup?

Yes, a dirty or blocked chimney can cause dangerous levels of carbon monoxide (CO) to accumulate inside a home. Carbon monoxide is produced naturally in wood, gas, and pellet systems, but if your flue is blocked up, it can’t exit safely out of the chimney.

What is carbon monoxide? And is it dangerous?

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that is extremely toxic and can be fatal in high concentrations. Symptoms of exposure include headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, shortness of breath, and unconsciousness. Yet, because so many symptoms are similar to common illnesses (like the flu), many don’t realize they’ve been exposed.

To stay safer, invest in annual chimney inspections with a team of professional sweeps, and be sure to invest in both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home. If either goes off, leave the home immediately and call in the proper authorities.

Will Chimney Sweeping Help with a Smoky Fireplace?

Yes! If your fireplace is smoking every time you light those flames, there’s a good chance your flue is blocked up. Chimney sweeping ensures all blockages are removed, improving airflow and keeping the chimney functioning efficiently.

original graphic from "English Sweep" featuring a cartoon chimney sweep and a list of reasons why a fireplace might be smoky, including creosote buildup, blockages, cold chimney flue, and using wet firewood.

What are the most common causes of a smoky fireplace?

  • Creosote and soot buildup
  • Blockages (like outside debris or bird nests)
  • Animal entry and invasion
  • A cold chimney flue
  • Poor draft and airflow
  • Lack of makeup air in the home
  • Improperly sized flue
  • Using unseasoned wood

If your smoky fireplace issue wasn’t resolved with a chimney sweeping, leave it to us – we’ll get the bottom of the issue and get your system back where it needs to be.

For Chimney Sweeping Near You in Wildwood, MO, Trust Us

When it comes to chimney sweeping in and near Wildwood, MO, you deserve a team that puts safety, quality, and customer satisfaction first. Our experienced professionals are here to ensure you’re set up right. Don’t wait until issues arise – schedule your chimney sweeping and inspection service today, and enjoy peace of mind all season long.