Once the weather warms up and the fireplace is ready to be retired for the year, many homeowners consider chimney spring cleaning. Proper chimney maintenance is definitely something that any responsible homeowner will work into their yearly routine. However, this particular job is one that should always be done by a professional.
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One of the most dangerous aspects of chimney spring cleaning is that it requires the person doing it to climb up onto the roof. If a person is not used to working at this height, there is a good chance that they could fall resulting in significant injuries and, in the worst cases, even death. It is certainly worthwhile to hire someone who has experience working on rooftops and will complete the job in a safe manner.
Another issue that many people do not consider is how physically taxing it is to clean a chimney. Not only is there climbing involved, but the actual scrubbing requires a great amount of force. Those who do not exercise or engage regularly in physical activity may find that they have bitten off more than they can chew when they take on this job.
It is also important to remember that there is more than just dust and dirt lurking in a chimney. There could be anything in there from dangerous chemicals to live animals. It is necessary to have a CSIA certified chimney sweep on hand who is trained in dealing with any situation that may reveal itself.
There are many spring cleaning jobs that homeowners enjoy doing themselves but cleaning the chimney should not be one of them. It is a dangerous job that can lead to a number of different physical injuries and ailments. Instead of spending all day on a risky task, it is best to let a trained professional take care of things.
