Many people in Minnesota have homes with classic masonry chimneys and wood-burning fireplaces that add charm and elegance to a home. Of course, these older fireplaces produce a lot of creosote, which means they need to be cleaned frequently. This is something most homeowners in our area know.
What some people do not realize, though, is that some gas heating appliances—including fireplaces, stoves, boilers, and furnaces—use the masonry chimney too, and that the chimney still requires just as much maintenance in these cases.
The Issue of Gas Heating and Chimneys
Gas heating systems often vent through a masonry chimney, or a flue installed inside of it. It is necessary to have a solid ventilation system because carbon monoxide and other byproducts of the heating process that you do not want in your home need somewhere to go.
This does not produce the soot we may be used to with a wood-burning fireplace. However, it does leave behind acidic residue that could wear down the lining of the flue vent/chimney. These byproducts could cause the metals of the flue to corrode through, and could even do damage to the masonry.
The Importance of Regular Inspections
You may not need to clean a flue vent for a gas heating system as regularly as you would a chimney for a wood-burning fireplace. But it’s still just as important to call in chimney sweeps every year.
Why call in a chimney sweep if there’s nothing to “sweep?” Chimney technicians are the only ones qualified enough to provide a thorough inspection for anything that may put your safety at risk. They have detection equipment to determine whether corrosion is a concern and whether your chimney is venting those dangerous byproducts properly.
For more information about your chimney in Minneapolis, MN or to schedule chimney cleaning today contact 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc.