Think You Know Chimney Care? These 7 Dangerous Myths Could Put Your Rhode Island Home at Risk

When it comes to chimney maintenance, Rhode Island homeowners face unique challenges from coastal moisture, harsh winters, and freeze-thaw cycles. Unfortunately, dangerous misconceptions about chimney cleaning continue to spread, putting families and properties at risk. Above and Beyond Chimney Service has served Norfolk and Plymouth Counties for years, understanding the impact of coastal moisture on chimney brickwork and the specific creosote buildup patterns resulting from the types of wood commonly burned in this region.

Myth #1: “If I Don’t Use My Fireplace Often, I Don’t Need Cleaning”

This is one of the most dangerous misconceptions homeowners hold. Even infrequent fireplace use warrants chimney cleaning. Even unused chimneys can become a haven for birds, squirrels, or other critters seeking shelter. Their nests and droppings can create blockages and fire hazards. Additionally, the structural integrity of your chimney may take decades, but eventually the bricks and masonry that were used to build the chimney will begin to deteriorate. For this reason, regular chimney inspections are very important.

Myth #2: “I Can Save Money by Cleaning My Chimney Myself”

While DIY projects can save money, chimney cleaning isn’t one of them. Inexperienced DIYers are more likely to miss areas of the chimney, which still leaves the risk of house fire due to the remaining residue. Second, chimney sweeping seems like a simple process, but it’s highly dangerous. Soot and creosote are both carcinogenic and can cause breathing issues and lung damage. Professional services like Chimney Cleaning Greenville, RI ensure thorough, safe cleaning with proper equipment and expertise.

Myth #3: “Burning Pine Creates More Creosote Than Hardwood”

This persistent myth has been thoroughly debunked by research. Creosote is linked to the overall heat of the fire. The hotter the fire burns, the cleaner the smoke is. Avoiding the use of pine or other softwood in your fireplace will not reduce creosote buildup. Studies have found that it’s not actually the type of wood you burn that causes damage to the chimney, rather it’s the temperature of the fire. Fires that burn at lower temperatures are responsible for adding excess creosote to the walls of the chimney. To reduce creosote buildup, make sure your firewood is dry, which will cause it to burn hotter.

Myth #4: “Gas Fireplaces Don’t Need Chimney Maintenance”

Gas fireplace owners often believe their systems are maintenance-free. While it’s true that gas fireplaces don’t accumulate creosote the way that wood-burning fireplaces do, that doesn’t mean that inspections are completely unnecessary. When technicians examine gas fireplaces, they look for things like debris buildup, blocked or malfunctioning vents, and deteriorating gas logs. Leaks can also develop in valves and connectors, and those can present a fire or explosion hazard if they aren’t corrected quickly. And finally, if the mortar or crown of the chimney is cracked, moisture can leak into the structure and cause damage.

Myth #5: “Chimney Cleaning Logs Replace Professional Service”

Chemical cleaning logs are heavily marketed as chimney maintenance solutions, but they’re inadequate substitutes for professional cleaning. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America – the nation’s foremost authority on everything-chimney – chemical-treated chimney cleaning logs are okay for supplemental chimney maintenance, but that’s it. The CSIA plainly states that cleaning logs are no substitute for annual visits from a certified chimney sweep, who has the tools and experience to clean chimneys properly and safely.

Myth #6: “Any Cheap, Fast Service Will Do”

Rhode Island homeowners should be wary of bargain chimney services. Any so-called chimney sweep who says he’ll charge you $35 for a cleaning that will take about 20 minutes won’t be delivering a thorough chimney cleaning. And more than likely, this person isn’t a professional or certified to perform chimney cleanings or inspections. Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for a thorough cleaning and inspection, and expect it to take an hour or longer.

Myth #7: “Metal Liners Eliminate the Need for Annual Inspections”

Installing a metal liner protects your home, as a metal chimney liner is durable and can reduce the buildup of soot that causes chimney fires. However, the liner still needs regular cleanup because while it reduces the soot, it does not entirely prevent the buildup. You need to clean your chimney to ensure the liner works properly.

Why Rhode Island Homeowners Need Professional Chimney Care

According to the EPA, chimney fires account for a whopping 87% of building heat fires, and 14% of all reported home fires. Maintaining your chimney is an essential part of keeping your family and home safe. Rhode Island’s coastal climate presents unique challenges, with freeze-thaw cycles that crack mortar, ice dams that cause leaks, and storms that damage chimney caps. Certified technicians understand how to build repairs that last in this climate using materials specifically chosen for Rhode Island weather conditions.

Above and Beyond Chimney Service provides thorough inspections and expert repairs, ensuring your fireplace is safe and efficient all winter. Our certified team is here to help. As a family owned and operated company, we have over 25 years of industry experience and are founded on strong internal values and uncompromising integrity – which means that with Above & Beyond Chimney Service, you can expect honest, ethical business practices and actions, no matter what. From our level of professionalism and cleanliness to our perfectionism, skill and dedication to education – we believe you’ll find that your experience with us goes far above and beyond your expectations!

Don’t let dangerous myths compromise your family’s safety. The National Fire Protection Association recommends having an annual cleaning and inspection. Schedule professional chimney maintenance with certified technicians who understand Rhode Island’s unique climate challenges and can keep your home safe throughout the heating season.