Chimney and gas log maintenance is important!

2/26/2018 (Permalink)

Everyone enjoys a good fire in the fireplace. Whether you have a chimney or a gas log fireplace, there is some basic maintenance that you can do to prevent having to call SERVPRO because of soot or fire spreading beyond your fireplace. So here are a few, quick tips to keep your fireplace or gas logs functioning smoothly all winter:

• Lack of chimney maintenance can cause some serious problems and eventually lead to fires. Your local fire department recommends that your chimney should be cleaned out at least once every other year.
• If you’ve ever noticed that your walls and ceiling have a soot build-up; it’s not that you’re not doing a good cleaning job. When you don’t give your chimney regular maintenance, it can cause over time what is known as a ghosting effect. If you start to see your walls and ceilings covered in soot, you are past due for that chimney cleaning.
• Another sign that you might need your chimney cleaned is when you get a puff back of smoke. Assuming you haven’t left your flue closed, puff backs tend to happen when there is a build-up in your chimney and it circulates right back into your home.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help

Call Today (731) 423-9944

Smoke and soot facts:

Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure. Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor. The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process. 

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Jackson/Crockett County will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?

Call Us Today (731) 423-9944

SERVPRO of Jackson/Crockett County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.